Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons are powerful storms that have winds in excess of 119 kilometres per hour (74 MPH).

These wind storms can develop either as a result of a confluence of warm and cold winds over the ocean following a thunderstorm or when differing areas of wind pressure conflict. Due to this, they most commonly occur during the summer months between June and November.

On average there are between 80-100 of these storms each year, and while only a fraction of these approach land they can cause devastation once they do.

Property damage is the most common after-effect, with windows, roofs and doors succumbing to the powerful winds battering them, and the most powerful storms can tear down small buildings. Thus, without a solid foundation, objects and people are at risk if they are caught in the winds.

Since the 1950s, storms that approach land are given official names so that meteorologists can track them. The names alternate between male and female and in ascending alphabetical order from the start of each season.

A storm is generally referred to as a Cyclone, Hurricane or Typhoon based on where the storm takes place.

• Cyclones take place over the Indian Ocean
• Hurricanes take place over the North Atlantic Ocean
• Typhoons take place over the Pacific Ocean