Tropical Storms

Tropical storms are defined as a tropical cyclone where the maximum wind speeds exceeds 39 miles per hour, but are under 73 miles per hour. During a tropical storm, rainfall is usually organized in "bands" around the outer bounds of the weather disturbance. In the center of a tropical storm is the "eye," surrounded by circles of high winds and heavy rain. As the system spins, centrifugal force pulls the bands outwards.http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/tropics/tc_structure.htm

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States, a tropical storm or cyclone becomes a hurricane when the winds exceed 73 miles per hour.http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/A5.html

Tropical storms form each year beginning in the month of June. The storms pose a risk to the East Coast and Gulf states of the U.S. The storms, named alphabetically, can pose a risk when they make landfall to as they carry high winds and torrential downpours. Aside from high winds, rain, and thunder and lightening, tornadoes are sometimes associated with tropical storms. The storms can also create high tides which threaten coastal states.http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/tropics/tc_names.htm

For the latest information on tropical storms arising from the Eastern Pacific and Atlantic Ocean, visit the National Weather Service's National Hurricane Center as they provide a tropical storm tracker that is frequently updated. The service is overseen by Hurricanes.gov.http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/index.shtml