Cyclone

Cyclones, also known as whirlwinds, are recurring obstacles and usable gimmicks. They are represented by a swirling wind of varying size. Sometimes, updrafts form similar structures, but are substantially less powerful and never treated as an obstacle.

The Legend of Zelda
In The Legend of Zelda, a small whirlwind is summoned when Link blows on the Whistle. It takes Link between the entrances to various Labyrinths.

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons/Ages
In The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages, a small whirlwind appears when Link uses Gale Seeds or sometimes Mystery Seeds. The main purpose of these is to warp Link between seed trees, similar to the first game. Since the Oracle games were initially conceived as a reimagining on the original, this may have been intentional. Additionally, in the former game, Onox uses a whirlwind to scatter the troupe of performers and abduct Din.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
In The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, cyclones first appear as massive sea obstacles at the command of the vengeful deity Cyclos. After Cyclos is hit with an arrow, he teaches Link the Ballad of Gales, allowing him to use cyclones to warp.

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
In The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, cyclones again first appear as sea obstacles. Initially, one is travelling back-and-forth along the northern edge of the Southwestern Sea. Trying to pass it will result in another spawning on top of the ship, tossing it away, meaning they must at first find another way around. Once the Northwestern Sea is reached, this cyclone disappears. Another cyclone suddenly appears when traveling to Goron Island, soaking the ship engine and making it so Massive Eye has to be fought while immobile. Finally, a cyclone blocks the passage to the Isle of Ruins until the Regal Necklace is brought before it, at which point it will dissipate. This cyclone is the only one visible on the map. Additionally, Mini Cyclones appear as minor obstacles, and can damage the ship if they catch it. They can be dissipated by hitting them twice with the cannon, possibly in reference to an old sea myth. Even smaller cyclones appear during the battle with Cyclok, who rides one and spits out others. Aside from obstacles, cyclones can again be used for traveling, via the Cyclone Slate obtained from Golden Chief Cylos.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (comic)
In the comic adaptation of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past by Shotaru Ishinomori, an enormous whirlwind suddenly appears while Link is flying over the desert, destroying his makeshift wings and forcing him to take the rest of the journey on foot, severely taxing him.

Zelda's Adventure
In Zelda's Adventure, waterspouts appear as obstacles on Lake Boruna and block access to Mystery Island until the Calm spell is obtained. Additionally, smaller Tornados appear as enemies early in the Shrine of Air and can be defeated with the Calm spell.

Super Smash Bros. series
In Super Smash Bros., a small whirlwind appears as an obstacle at Hyrule Castle. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, a large one appears on the Pirate Ship stage, tossing the ship into the air. Both stages return in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.