Tropical cyclones [tropical cyclone] with maximum sustained surface winds [sustained winds] of less than 17 m/s (34 kt, 39 mph) are called "tropical depressions" [tropical depression]. (This is not to be confused with the condition mid-latitude people get during a long, cold and grey winter wishing they could be closer to the equator). Once the tropical cyclone reaches winds of at least 17 m/s they are typically called a tropical storm and assigned a name.