Cyclones are large winds that circulate around a center of low pressure. Tornados are rotating columns of air caused by a thunderstorm. While tornados are cyclonic, they are about 150m wide, whereas cyclones can reach up to 2,000km wide. The worst cyclone till date is the 1970 Bhola cyclone.
Cyclones and tornadoes are both meteorological phenomena characterized by swirling winds, but they differ significantly in size, scale, and the conditions that give rise to them.
Cyclones, also known as hurricanes or typhoons in different regions, are large-scale weather systems that circulate around a center of low pressure. These powerful storms can cover vast areas and are fueled by warm ocean waters. Cyclones are categorized based on their wind speeds, with different classifications ranging from tropical storms to Category 5 hurricanes. The destructive potential of cyclones is often associated with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges, making them a major concern for coastal areas.
Tornadoes, on the other hand, are much smaller in scale compared to cyclones. They are rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes are characterized by their distinctive funnel shape, and they can cause intense damage in localized areas. Tornadoes are typically associated with severe thunderstorms and can form when there is a combination of warm, moist air colliding with cold, dry air, creating a conducive environment for the development of these rotating columns.
While tornadoes are cyclonic in nature, the term "cyclone" is often used in reference to larger-scale storm systems, such as hurricanes and typhoons. Cyclones can span vast distances, with some reaching up to 2,000 kilometers in width, as seen in the case of large hurricanes. In contrast, tornadoes are much smaller, with an average width of about 150 meters.
The 1970 Bhola cyclone stands as one of the deadliest tropical cyclones in recorded history. Striking East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and the West Bengal area of India on November 13, 1970, the cyclone caused widespread devastation, resulting in an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 casualties. The Bhola cyclone serves as a stark reminder of the destructive potential of large-scale cyclonic systems, especially in densely populated coastal regions.
Understanding the distinctions between cyclones and tornadoes is crucial for meteorologists, emergency responders, and residents in vulnerable areas, as it influences the preparedness and response measures undertaken in the face of these natural disasters.