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What is a potential tropical cyclone?

It's more simple than it sounds.

HOUSTON — As we track the disturbance in the gulf, many viewers are asking: "What's a tropical cyclone?" A tropical cyclone is the generic term used for a synoptic scale low-pressure system over tropical or sub-tropical waters with organized thunderstorms. This includes a tropical depression, tropical storm and a hurricane. 

So what is a potential tropical cyclone? This is a disturbance that is not yet a tropical cyclone but expected to be soon.

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