Tropical and extratropical cyclones have different data traces as they pass by our stations.
Tropical cyclones are hurricanes or tropical storms.
Extratropical cyclones are winter storms, or typical low pressure areas. Take a look at the following time-series plots, and see if you can figure out whether the storm is tropical or extratropical. If you thought this was a tropical cyclone, you are correct. Also, notice the 1-hour lull in winds flanked by abrupt peaks on either side that marks he eye wall. Tropical systems are often small compared with extratropical ones.