New Delhi: A cyclone is a large-scale low pressure system characterized by a cyclonic circulation about a definite center where pressure is lowest. Generally bring stormy weather.
In the northern hemisphere, where tropical cyclones occur in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, and eastern Pacific Ocean they are called hurricanes and those in the Pacific Ocean west of the 180th meridian are called typhoons.
Those in the southern Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean are simply called cyclones.
Cyclone Phailin (pronounced phie-leen) is half the size of India and is strengthening quickly as it heads for land.
Here we bring to you 10 facts about a cyclone:
