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Defining a storm
Zurich HelpPoint is here to help you protect your business from the damaging effects of storms, including not only your property, but the impact to your bottom line from business interruption too. Our goal is for Zurich customers to be the most prepared and the first ones back in business after a storm.
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What is a "storm"?
The insurance industry defines a "storm" as any high wind event that accompanies extreme weather, including severe tropical cyclones, European winter storms and thunderstorms. Storms can occur anywhere around the globe. Severe tropical cyclones include hurricanes and typhoons that have wind speeds in excess of 117 kph (73 mph). European winter storms can be as powerful as tropical storms with wind recorded as high as 216 kph (134 mph). Severe thunderstorms can develop straight-line winds in excess of 93 kph (58 mph). Both tropical storms and severe thunderstorms can spawn tornados. When tornados develop, they can generate the most severe winds with the highest wind speed recorded of 512 kph (318 mph). |
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Severe tropical cyclones terminology
Around the world, there are certain regions where tropical cyclones develop. According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, the regional names for severe tropical cyclones include:
- Hurricane – North Atlantic Ocean, Northeast Pacific Ocean and South Pacific Ocean
- Typhoon – Northwest Pacific Ocean
- Severe tropical cyclone – Southwest Pacific Ocean and Southeast Indian Ocean
- Severe cyclonic storm – North Indian Ocean
- Tropical cyclone – Southwest Indian Ocean
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Risktopics: hurricane pre-planning
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