Tropical Storm Vs. Hurricane: What's the Difference?

EcoFlow

When the local weather station starts lighting up your phone with warnings of approaching storms, it can be overwhelming if you’re not sure what the words mean.

Tropical storms and hurricanes are both tropical cyclones, but they differ in wind speed, intensity, and damage potential. Knowing the difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane helps you determine the level of damage headed your way and prepare for impact, allowing you to stay calm, make smart decisions, and best prepare your home and family. 

Keep reading to learn precisely what a tropical storm is versus a hurricane, the key differences, and why understanding the distinction matters.

What Is a Tropical Storm?

Tropical storms begin as low-pressure systems rotating around an “eye” over tropical oceans. They have wind speeds between 39 and 73 miles per hour (mph). Once a storm reaches tropical storm status, it’s given a name for easy identification and tracking as it moves over the ocean. While they’re classified by wind speed, heavy rains almost always accompany them, leading to property damage, minor flooding, high waves, and possible power outages. Having a power station like the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus charged and ready to go in case the grid goes down will keep your phone connected for important weather updates, as well as other key devices charged.

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What Is a Hurricane?

A tropical storm develops into a hurricane once the sustained winds reach 74 mph or higher. Like tropical storms, hurricanes rotate around a central “eye”, but are far more organized and intense. With a hurricane, you can expect destructive winds, torrential rain, storm surges, and widespread, long-term power outages. 

Hurricanes are also given a name, but they are further categorized by the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which breaks them into five categories based on wind speeds and potential for damage: 

  • Category 1 (74-95 mph): Causes minor damage to roofs, siding, and trees, with likely power outages in affected areas.

  • Category 2 (96-110 mph): More extensive damage from stronger winds, leading to power outages. 

  • Category 3 (111-129 mph): Considered a major hurricane. Can cause devastating damage to homes, uproot trees, and block roads. 

  • Category 4 (130 - 156): Extremely dangerous wind speeds, severe structural damage, weeks-long power loss, and little access to affected areas. 

  • Category 5 (157+ mph): Expect catastrophic level damage, with destroyed buildings, collapsed roofs, and months of recovery needed.  

When a hurricane is forecast, you need to take it seriously. Prepare your home by locking up items outside, protecting outdoor electronics, stocking up on supplies, and double-checking your emergency plan.

Key Differences Between Tropical Storms and Hurricanes

Wind Speed

Wind speed is the key difference between a hurricane and a tropical storm. Tropical storms have a lower wind speed of 39 to 73 mph, while hurricanes have stronger winds of 74 mph or higher. Regardless of the wind speed, you should prepare your home inside and out. 

Strength of Storm

The difference in sustained winds means differences in the strength of the storm. Tropical storms are less intense due to lower wind speeds, which leads to lower storm surges, while hurricanes are more powerful. In the latter case, wind speeds are more destructive, storm surges are more substantial, and there is more rainfall.

Damage Potential

A tropical storm can cause flooding, power outages, and some structural damage. Depending on their rating, hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage; think massive flooding, surges, and complete home destruction. Evacuation zones and warnings are issued based on the storm's strength. 

How It’s Rated

Both storm types are rated by their sustained wind speed. A tropical storm is named once it reaches 39 mph, but it’s not given a category number. Hurricanes are also named, but are further classified into five categories based on wind speed.

Development Stage

A tropical storm is part of the same storm system as a hurricane. First, a tropical disturbance occurs, which includes a thunderstorm and minimal wind rotation. If the wind speeds increase above 23 mph, the storm becomes a tropical depression. When the winds reach 39 mph, a tropical storm develops. Once wind speeds reach 74 mph or higher, it's classified as a hurricane. 

Why the Distinction Matters

Calling it a tropical storm or hurricane isn’t just about the name; it affects the level of preparedness you should take and what to expect after the storm passes. For a tropical storm, you might only need to secure loose items outside, prep for heavy rain, and possibly deal with short-term power outages and minor floods. 

For a hurricane, the stakes are much higher. You might need to evacuate your home, stock up on several days' worth of emergency supplies, and prepare for extended power outages. A portable power station, like an EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3, is a necessity to keep essential appliances like your fridge or medical devices connected when the power goes out. 

After the storm passes, no matter the classification, there will be damage. Know what your insurance policy covers and requires. Some home, wind, and flood policies only kick in at hurricane-level damage, and even then, the amount of coverage you can get will depend on the storm’s rating. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Tropical Storms the Same as Hurricanes?

Not exactly. Tropical storms and hurricanes are both types of tropical cyclones, but they differ in strength. Hurricanes have much stronger wind speeds at 75 mph or higher, while tropical storms have only 39 to 74 mph. Both can bring heavy rain and flooding, but hurricanes pose a much higher risk to life and property. 

Tropical Storms and Hurricanes Differ in Intensity, Risk, and Response

Whether it’s a tropical storm or hurricane, you need to take the warnings seriously. Although tropical storms are less intense than hurricanes, they can still bring damaging winds and heavy downpours.  Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage, with torrential rain, straight-line winds, huge storm surges, and week-long power outages. 

Prepare your home and family with reliable backup power from EcoFlow. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus will keep your electronics powered and connected even if the power grid is down.

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