- The various names given to tropical storms all refer to the same weather pattern, but each name describes a storm that happens in a different part of the world. Typhoon is the name given to a storm that occurs in the northwest Pacific, around countries like China, Korea, Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines.
- The various terms for tropical storms are usually derived from local language. The word typhoon comes from the word tai feng, which means "supreme winds."
- The differing terminology for tropical storms remains in use today; it allows for a quick understanding of the basic geographic area where a storm is occurring, according to the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory.
- While other storm types have their own season or active period, typhoons are most common from late June through December.
- To be considered a typhoon, the winds of a storm in the northwestern Pacific must reach 74 mph, according to the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. If winds exceed 150 mph, the storm is called a supertyphoon.
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