CYCLONE OR HURRICANE?
The recent Burma cyclone had me wondering about the difference between cyclones and hurricanes. This article from a CBS affiliate station in Denver essentially says there is no difference other than geographical, but what about the actual word? To me as someone who grew up in the UK the word 'hurricane' is far more powerful than 'cyclone'.
Would more people around the world take notice if the terrible events two weeks ago were actually referred to as a hurricane and not a cyclone? Hurricane Katrina seems to have more impact in purely a language sense that Cyclone Nargis. What do you think?
2 comments:
Historically, Cyclones have claimed more lives and damage--that's just because Cyclones are the term they call the storms on this side of the Pacific, while Hurricanes are for the Atlantic ocean side, and obviously Pacific West is much more populated, coastal wise. Though Hurricane was always made more popular in pop culture/songs.
In some places, cyclone simply means tornado.
L. Frank Baum called the thing that picked up Dorothy's house a cyclone. It was what I'd call a tornado.
So yeah, I think you're right. Where I'm from, at least, cyclone is a much less powerful word than hurricane. Especially post-Katrina.
I don't think most folks are clear on the difference between hurricane, cyclone, typhoon, tropical storm, etc.
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