The greatest loss of life is usually the result of flooding.
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A tropical cyclone is classified as a hurricane once it reaches sustained wind speeds of 74 mph or higher. Before that, it is known as a tropical depression (winds less than 39 mph) and then a tropical storm (winds between 39-73 mph).
A tropical storm is classified as a hurricane or cyclone when its maximum sustained winds reach or exceed 74 mph (119 km/h). The terminology used depends on the region: hurricanes are typically used in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific, while cyclones are used in the western Pacific and Indian Ocean.
A tropical depression can develop into a hurricane if conditions are favorable, with wind speeds reaching 74 mph or more. As a tropical depression strengthens, it progresses through stages like tropical storm and eventually reaches hurricane strength.
Its physical state. When it reaches its melting point, it will change from a solid to a liquid.
Hurricanes are given status based on the maximum sustained wind speed of the storm system. Specifically, when a storm reaches sustained wind speeds of 74 mph or higher, it is classified as a hurricane. Additionally, other factors like atmospheric conditions and the organization of the storm system are taken into account before making the classification.