What's the difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane?

Question

What's the difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane?

Answer 1

A tropical storm is a intensified low pressure system over warm waters that has maximum sustained wind speeds ranging from 39 - 73 mph.

A hurricane is an intensified tropical storm with maximum sustained wind speeds at least 74 mph. They are much powerful than tropical storms, not only because their wind speeds are greater, but also because the storm surge is more powerful and there are greater rainfall intensities.

Both of these start off as a tropical depression. They are both fueled by heat and moisture. Moving over land and/or into cold waters will weaken the system.

Answer 2

wind speed makes all the difference.

Answer 3

Hurricane has more wind speed and tidal surge.

Answer 4

a tropical storm is like a baby hurricane. It needs to grow which the warm water and the heat provide.