Pronunciation: [tɹˈɒpɪkə͡l stˈɔːm] (IPA) 
The spelling of "tropical storm" begins with the /t/ sound, followed by the /ɹ/ consonant, which is represented by the letter "r". Then comes the vowel sound /ɒ/ represented by the letter "o", followed by the /p/ consonant and the vowel sound /ɪ/ represented by the letter "i". Finally, the consonant cluster /kəl/ is spelt with the letters "c-a-l". The IPA phonetic transcription of "tropical storm" is /ˈtrɒpɪkəl stɔːm/.
A tropical storm refers to a powerful weather phenomenon that is characterized by a rotating system of thunderstorms, generating strong winds and heavy rainfall. It is a transitional weather system that develops in the tropics, typically between the latitudes of 5 and 20 degrees, in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This meteorological condition arises when a cluster of thunderstorms forms over warm oceanic waters, usually with temperatures above 26.5°C (80°F), causing moist air to rise rapidly.
A tropical storm differs from tropical depressions and hurricanes in terms of its intensity. While a tropical depression is a weaker system, a tropical storm has sustained winds that range from 39 to 73 mph (63 to 118 km/h). These strong winds often revolve in a circular motion around the center of the storm, known as the eye. Despite being less severe than a hurricane, tropical storms can still cause significant damage due to the force of their winds and the torrential rainfall they bring.
The impacts of a tropical storm include heavy downpours that lead to widespread flooding and landslides, powerful gusts that may result in structural damage to buildings and infrastructure, and dangerous storm surges along coastal areas. The path of a tropical storm can be influenced by various atmospheric conditions and may change over time, causing uncertainty in predicting their exact trajectory and landfall locations. Timely monitoring and advanced warnings by meteorological agencies are crucial in enabling communities to take necessary precautionary measures to mitigate potential hazards associated with tropical storms.
The word "tropical storm" has a straightforward etymology. It combines two terms: "tropical" and "storm".
1. Tropical: The word "tropical" dates back to the late 14th century, derived from the Latin "tropicus" and the Greek "tropikos", meaning "pertaining to the turning point of the sun". This term refers to the region between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, where the sun can be directly overhead.
2. Storm: The word "storm" has Old English roots, originating from the Proto-Germanic word "sturmaz". It has been used to describe disturbances, tempests, and violent weather conditions since ancient times.
Combining these two terms, "tropical storm" refers to a weather phenomenon characterized by strong winds and intense thunderstorms that typically occur in tropical regions.
