hurricane / violent storm
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hurricane-force storm
An extremely strong storm with wind speeds of at least 118 kilometers per hour, corresponding to force 12 on the Beaufort scale.
Der Orkan entwurzelte Bäume und deckte Dächer ab.
The hurricane-force storm uprooted trees and tore roofs off.
storm / outburst
In a figurative sense, a fierce, stormy outburst of emotions or reactions in a group of people.
Die Ankündigung löste im Publikum einen Orkan der Entrüstung aus.
The announcement triggered a storm of outrage in the audience.
You can usually recognize the figurative meaning by a genitive construction that describes a feeling or reaction. If this addition is missing and the context is weather, it refers to the storm.
Der Vorschlag sorgte für einen Orkan der Empörung.
The proposal caused a storm of indignation.
In connection with weather, 'Orkan' (hurricane-force storm) is often combined with strong verbs that describe its power. Typical phrases are 'ein Orkan tobt' (a storm is raging), 'fegt über das Land' (sweeps across the country), or 'zieht auf' (is approaching).
Ein heftiger Orkan tobt über der Nordsee.
A fierce hurricane-force storm is raging over the North Sea.
The figurative meaning is almost always combined with a noun that expresses a strong collective reaction. Common combinations are 'ein Orkan der Begeisterung' (a storm of enthusiasm), 'des Beifalls' (of applause), or 'der Entrüstung' (of outrage).
Nach dem Konzert gab es einen Orkan des Beifalls für die Band.
After the concert, there was a storm of applause for the band.
storm
An Orkan is an especially powerful form of Sturm. “Sturm” is the broader term and can also refer to less powerful severe wind events, whereas “Orkan” means wind force 12 or at least 118 kilometers per hour. Use “Orkan” only for this exceptional strength.
Der Orkan erreichte Windgeschwindigkeiten von 120 Kilometern pro Stunde.
The hurricane-force storm reached wind speeds of 120 kilometers per hour.
Der Sturm beschädigte einige Dächer und entwurzelte Bäume.
The storm damaged several roofs and uprooted trees.
