Stages of a Hurricane

First a tropical wave forms with wind speeds of less than 25 mph.
Next, the tropical wave becomes a Tropical Depression when there is a presence of a
closed circulation or rotation and sustained winds of 25 mph.
Secondly that Tropical Depression becomes a Tropical Storm when rain and
thunderstorm activity moves moves over the closed circulation and sustained winds reach
at least 39 mph. At this stage, the system can cause damage. It is at this stage that the
storm is given a name.
And finally, the Tropical Storm becomes a Hurricane when the closed circulation becomes
an eye and sustained winds reach at least 74 mph. This stage of a hurricane can cause
significant damage. From here, Hurricanes are categorized based upon wind speed.