Classification of Tropical Cyclones
Classification of Tropical Cyclones
Tropical cyclones are classified in accordance with the World Meteorological Organization's recommendation by the maximum sustained wind speeds near the centre. In Hong Kong, the classification is defined in terms of wind speeds averaged over a period of 10 minutes as follows :
| Tropical Cyclone Classification | Maximum 10-minute mean wind near the centre | |
| Tropical Depression | 41 to 62 km/h | |
| Tropical Storm | 63 to 87 km/h | |
| Severe Tropical Storm | 88 to 117 km/h | |
| Typhoon | 118 to 149 km/h | |
| Severe Typhoon* | 150 to 184 km/h | |
| Super Typhoon* | 185 km/h or above |
*New categories starting 2009