Definition(s)
Tropical Cyclone
Closed atmospheric or oceanic circulation around a zone of low pressure that originates over the tropical oceans
NOTE 1 The circulation is counter-clockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere.
NOTE 2 At maturity, the tropical cyclone can be one of the most intense storms in the world, with wind speeds exceeding 90 m/s and accompanied by torrential rain.
NOTE 3 In some areas, local terms for tropical cyclones are used. For example, tropical cyclones are typically referred to as hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico and North Atlantic, while in the South China Sea and NW Pacific they are called typhoons. In the South Pacific and South Indian Ocean, however, they are commonly referred to as cyclones.
NOTE 4 The term cyclone is also used to refer to a tropical storm with sustained wind speeds in excess of 32 m/s (Beaufort Force 12).
Source: API RP 2MET, Derivation of Metocean Design and Operating Conditions, First Edition, November 2014. Global Standards