What Causes a ‘Cyclone’ and How Is It Different from a Hurricane?

Cyclones and hurricanes both spin like giant whirlpools in the sky, but they're not exactly the same. A hurricane is a type of cyclone that forms over warm ocean water, it's extra strong and happens near the equator. Cyclones can happen anywhere on Earth, even over land or cold water, and their spins depend on where they are. Imagine two kids playing with a whirlpool toy: one uses warm water to make a super fast swirl (a hurricane), while the other can use any kind of water to create a spin (any cyclone). That’s how it works!