[AJames]

The reason for the familiarity is because of the similar dynamics of the flows of cloud around the storm system, however, the root causes are mathematically and dynamically very different. Several discussion on this very topic appear on the net.
A good simple one is; http://www.space.com/scienceastronom...ls_030917.html

In my view - it is interesting that galaxies and hurricanes / cyclones are on the very limits of human understanding - and though tantalising as it is, if we knew these secrets - we could predict the behaviour of these things. Against these destructive weather phenomena such knowledge would mean we wouldn't have such tragic loss of life and the destruction of homes and so much property. We can only hope that soon our knowledge of science brings us close to some better truth about the world and our Universe.