A cyclone is a large mass of inward-spiraling winds that rotates around a strong center of low atmospheric pressure, counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere as viewed from above.
Tropical cyclones originate over the tropical seas, and are characterised by a rapidly rotating storm system with a low-pressure center, a closed low-level atmospheric circulation, strong winds, and a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms that produce heavy rain, and/or squalls. Depending on its location, and strength, a tropical cyclone is referred to by different names; hurricane (from the name of the ancient Central American deity of wind, Huracan) in the Atlantic Ocean and northeastern Pacific Ocean, typhoon in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, cyclone in south Pacific or Indian Ocean, tropical storm, cyclonic storm, and tropical depression.
Coastal states of the Indian subcontinent are vulnerable to cyclones and routinely witness devastation due to these.
With advances in satellite based observation it has become possible to have advance warning of cyclones and this has helped in significant reduction in loss of lives.
You can ensure safety of your family and loved ones by knowing exactly what you have to do or avoid doing before, during and after a cyclone incidence.