Hurricanes: A Force of Nature

Front

What is a hurricane?

Back

A hurricane is a large, powerful storm that forms over warm ocean waters and can cause strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding.

Front

What does the term 'sustained winds' mean?

Back

Sustained winds refer to the average wind speed over a specific period, usually measured in miles per hour (mph).

Front

What is the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale?

Back

It is a scale that categorizes hurricanes based on their sustained wind speeds, ranging from Category 1 (least severe) to Category 5 (most severe).

Front

What are the characteristics of a Category 3 hurricane?

Back

A Category 3 hurricane has sustained winds of 111 to 129 mph and can cause significant damage.

Front

What role do hurricane hunters play?

Back

Hurricane hunters are pilots who fly specially equipped planes into hurricanes to collect data on wind speed, pressure, and storm structure.

Front

What is the eyewall of a hurricane?

Back

The eyewall is the area surrounding the eye of the hurricane, where the strongest winds and heaviest rains occur.

Front

What is the eye of a hurricane?

Back

The eye is the calm center of a hurricane, characterized by low pressure and light winds.

Front

Why are hurricanes considered a force of nature?

Back

Hurricanes are powerful natural phenomena that can cause widespread destruction and impact weather patterns.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.3

CCSS.RI.4.3

CCSS.RI.5.3

CCSS.RI.6.3

CCSS.RI.7.3

Front

What is the importance of meteorologists studying hurricanes?

Back

Meteorologists study hurricanes to predict their paths, intensity, and potential impact, helping communities prepare and respond.

Front

What is storm surge?

Back

Storm surge is the rise in sea level caused by a hurricane's winds pushing water toward the shore, leading to flooding.