In the western Pacific, the common term for a hurricane is a typhoon. Both hurricanes and typhoons are types of tropical cyclones, but they are named differently depending on the region. Typhoons occur in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, while hurricanes form in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific. These storms are characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and the potential for extensive damage to coastal areas. The naming distinction helps in understanding and monitoring weather patterns around the world, enabling better preparedness for these powerful storms.