A tropical depression is an organized group of clouds and thunderstorms with a clear surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of less than 17 m\/s ( 33 kt , 38 mph , or 62 km\/h ) . It has no eye and does not usually have the spiral shape of more powerful storms . A tropical depression is an organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined , closed surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of less than 17 m or 38 m. It has no eye and does not typically have the organization or the spiral shape of more powerful storms .