Understanding Japan¡¯s system for classifying typhoons can be a challenge. For one, it differs from that used for hurricanes, and there are also differences in how the storms are discussed in English versus Japanese.
As Typhoon Shanshan ¡ª which as of Friday became Tropical Storm Shanshan ¡ª moves toward Shikoku, it marks a good time to brush up on the terminology.
When checking the news about typhoons in Japan, you may see comparisons to hurricane categories. But what¡¯s the difference exactly between a hurricane and a typhoon? Essentially, a hurricane and typhoon are the same weather phenomenon ¡ª a tropical cyclone. These cyclones form under specific conditions: a preexisting weather disturbance, warm tropical oceans, abundant moisture and relatively light winds.
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