Difference Between Cyclone and Hurricane

Cyclones and hurricanes are the same tropical storm phenomenon, with the only difference being the geographical region where they occur. They are both rotating, intense, low-pressure weather systems with winds exceeding 75 mph (119kph), explained by their location in the Northeast/Atlantic Pacific (Hurricane) or South Pacific/Indian Ocean (Cyclone). Given the life-threatening risks these storms pose, having life insurance in place helps ensure your family’s financial security in case of unforeseen loss.

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Let’s discuss the main difference between cyclone and hurricane in detail:

Cyclone vs Hurricane: What Sets Them Apart

This section outlines the difference between a cyclone and a hurricane, providing a clear explanation to enhance your understanding.

Feature	Cyclone	Hurricane
The fundamental significance	A tropical storm develops over warm ocean waters, characterised by strong winds and significant rainfall.	Hurricanes are a category of tropical cyclones characterised by their large, swirling structures, which also form over warm ocean waters.
Primary Regions	The Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean	The North Atlantic Ocean and the Northeast Pacific Ocean
Commonly affected locations	India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Madagascar, and Northwest Australia	The Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the eastern United States are significant geographical regions that play important roles in the climate, ecology, and economy of the surrounding areas.
Velocity of wind	Winds reach velocities of 74 mph (119 km/h) or more	Winds reach velocities of 74 mph (119 km/h) or more
Rotation	Clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere and counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.	Counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere
Season	The timing varies by region, typically occurring from April to December in the Indian Ocean.	The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
Primary Distinction	The term refers to a designation used in the Indian and South Pacific Oceans.	The term is used in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific regions

Despite their varying names, depending on the region, cyclones and hurricanes exhibit comparable behaviours and present significant threats to life and property. Identifying these differences enhances awareness, preparedness, and safety.

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What Is A Cyclone

Cyclones originate over warm tropical oceans. It forms around a low-pressure area, with strong winds spiralling inward and rotating. In the Indian Ocean and South Pacific, these storms are tropical cyclones. Cyclones destroy homes, infrastructure, and lives with powerful winds, precipitation, and storm surges. These natural catastrophes are especially dangerous in coastal and low-lying areas because of their circular wind patterns and continuous intensity.
As awareness reduces physical danger during storms, term insurance reduces financial risk. After a major storm, people may lose income and incur unanticipated costs. Financial security through term insurance keeps loved ones safe in unexpected weather. Safety and financial planning can strengthen resilience.

You can also check premiums of your term plan using the term insurance premium calculator.

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What Is A Hurricane

Hurricanes originate in the North Atlantic and Northeastern Pacific Oceans. It forms over warm ocean waters and has powerful, spinning winds of 119 km/h (74 mph) or higher, torrential rainfall, and significant storm surges. Hurricanes may hit whole coastlines and are characterised by their wind intensity. Hurricanes, like cyclones, are propelled by warm oceans and atmospheric conditions that feed their strength and movement.

To summarise

Cyclones and hurricanes are severe tropical storms that vary only in location and name. Both occur over warm waters and create powerful winds, heavy rain, and storm surges that may harm people and property. Understanding these storms increases awareness and readiness, while term and life insurance shield families from unexpected financial losses in such times. Knowledge and physical and financial readiness help create resilience against nature's most devastating forces.

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FAQs

A cyclone spins in the opposite direction of a hurricane?

Yes, the distinction is based on the storm's formation location, not its name. The Coriolis effect causes tropical storms in the Northern Hemisphere, such as hurricanes, to rotate anticlockwise, whereas in the Southern Hemisphere, known as cyclones, they spin clockwise.
Which Indian state experiences cyclones?

West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are the states in India most adversely impacted by tropical cyclones.
What is the difference between a cyclone and a tornado?

Over warm seas, cyclones span hundreds of km and reach 200 mph peak gusts. Tornadoes are fast, damaging, and short-lived air columns that form over land during severe thunderstorms, typically exceeding 300 mph.
What is the difference between a cyclone and a hurricane?

Cyclones and hurricanes are both types of intense tropical storms, differing only in their geographical locations. Hurricanes develop in the North Atlantic and Northeast Pacific regions, whereas cyclones take shape in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific.
In which country is a cyclone called a hurricane?

Hurricanes originate in the North Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, encompassing the US, the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico. The name changes based on the location, not the type of storm.
Which is the strongest, a hurricane or a cyclone?

Both storms possess equal strength—they belong to the same category. The classification of strength is determined by wind speed, with Category 5 representing the highest level, characterised by winds irrespective of whether it is referred to as a hurricane or a cyclone.

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˜The insurers/plans mentioned are arranged in order of highest to lowest Sum Assured(SA) offered by Policybazaar’s insurer partners offering term insurance plans on our platform, as per ‘first year premium of life insurers as at 31.03.2025 report’ published by IRDAI.

Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. For complete list of insurers in India refer to the IRDAI website www.irdai.gov.in

Rs. 400/month is starting price for a 1 crore term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age, rounded off to nearest 10.

Rs. 400/month (Rs.13/day) is starting price for a 1 crore term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

+Rs. 230 is starting price for a 50 lakhs term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age, rounded off to nearest 10.

+Rs. 8/day is starting price for a 50 lakhs term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age, rounded off to nearest 10.

+Rs. 12/day is starting price for a 75 lakhs term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age, rounded off to nearest 10.

+Rs. 497/month is starting price for a 1.5 crore term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

+Rs. 487/month is starting price for a 2 crore term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

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+Rs. 905/month is starting price for a 5 crore term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

+Rs. ₹361/month is the starting price for a ₹1 crore loan cover with an 8% interest rate for an 18-year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, loan tenure up to 20 years, rounded off to the nearest 10

+Rs. 1,267/month is starting price for a 7 crore term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

*The full refund of premium is available on availing the one-time option of refund of premium. Total premium paid for policy (paid for add-ons) will be the special exit value, payable on availing the one-time option of refund of premium if you wish to completely exit the policy.

+Rs. 447/month is starting price for a 1 crore term life insurance for an (NRI) 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

+Rs.679/month is starting price for a 2 crore term life insurance for an (NRI) 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

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+Rs. 1,374/month is starting price for a 5 crore term life insurance for an (NRI) 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

+Rs. 1,924month is starting price for a 7 crore term life insurance for an (NRI) 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

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Rs. 461/month is the starting price for a 1 crore term life insurance for an 24 year-old female, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 54 years of age.

1,642/month is the starting price for a 1 crore term life insurance for an 44 year-old female, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 74 years of age.

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