Usually , about 86 tropical cyclones of tropical storm strength form worldwide every year , with 47 reaching hurricane\/typhoon strength , and 20 becoming strong tropical cyclones ( at least Category 3 intensity on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale ) . An average of 86 tropical cyclones of tropical storm intensity form annually worldwide . Of those , 47 reach hurricane\/typhoon strength , and 20 become intense tropical cyclones ( at least Category 3 intensity on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale ) .