All weather systems
“Spinning vortex of chaos - where low pressure creates nature's washing machine”
Formation
Warm air rises, creating low pressure at surface. Air converges and rotates counterclockwise (Northern Hemisphere)
Impact
Brings unsettled weather, rain, snow, and storms to affected regions
Technical specs
Wind30-80 mph
Pressure950-1010 mb
TemperatureVariable, typically 40-70°F
RegionsMid-latitudes, especially over oceans and continental boundaries
common
Famous encounter
The Great Storm of 1987 (UK) - A violent extratropical cyclone
Etymology
From Greek 'kyklon' meaning 'moving in a circle' or 'coiled snake'