TROPICAL DISTURBANCE

A discrete tropical weather system of organized convection - 100 to 300 in diameter - originating in the tropics or subtropics, and maintaining its identity for 24 hours or more.

TROPICAL DEPRESSION

A tropical cyclone in which the winds are over 38 mph. Depressions have a closed circulation.

TROPICAL STORM

A tropical cyclone in which the max winds are between 39mph 63mph. The convection in tropical storms is usually more concentrated near the center with outer rainfall organizing into distinct bands.

HURRICANE

When winds in a tropical cyclone equal or exceed 74 mph. Hurricanes in categories 3, 4, 5 are known as Major Hurricanes or Intense Hurricanes. Peak gusts would be on the order of 10-25% higher.