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The Weather Channel

What is a subtropical storm?

The Weather Channel · Recent
The Weather Channel
The Weather Channel
Recent

During hurricane and tropical storm season, you also may hear about subtropical storms. Here’s what they are and what makes them different from tropical storms.

Breakdown
  • A subtropical storm is a non-frontal low-pressure system with both tropical and extratropical features.
  • They form from a combination of ocean heat and clashing temperatures. 14s
  • Subtropical storms usually have a large, cloud-free center and lack weather fronts. 18s
  • Their strongest winds and thunderstorms are typically far from the center and they produce less rain than tropical storms. 27s
  • Subtropical storms can transition into tropical storms. 38s
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