Tropical storms getting stronger, say scientists

SCIENTISTS have found the clearest evidence yet that warming oceans are whipping up more powerful cyclone storms, such as Hurricane Gustav.

The strongest tropical cyclones appear to be getting stronger, a study of satellite data spanning 25 years has shown. With the exception of the South Pacific, the same pattern was seen all round the world.

The greatest changes occurred in the North Atlantic and northern Indian oceans, both of which were lashed by violent storms this year.