Severe Weather

Front

What is a thunderstorm?

Back

A thunderstorm is an intense storm characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, lightning, and thunder.

Front

What are hurricanes?

Back

Hurricanes are the largest and most powerful storms on the planet, forming over warm ocean waters.

Front

What happens to hurricanes when they move over land?

Back

Hurricanes lose their power when they move into cooler waters or over land.

Front

What type of pressure system do thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes form in?

Back

They form in low pressure systems, where warm, moist air rises quickly.

Front

What is a hurricane?

Back

A hurricane is a large, rotating low-pressure system that forms over warm ocean waters near the equator.

Front

What is the main difference between a tornado and a hurricane?

Back

A tornado is a smaller, more localized storm with a funnel shape, while a hurricane is a large storm system that can cover hundreds of miles.

Front

What is the role of warm air in severe weather formation?

Back

Warm air rises quickly in low pressure systems, contributing to the formation of severe weather like thunderstorms and hurricanes.

Front

What is lightning?

Back

Lightning is a sudden electrostatic discharge that occurs during a thunderstorm, producing a bright flash of light.

Front

What is the significance of the Saffir-Simpson scale?

Back

The Saffir-Simpson scale categorizes hurricanes based on their wind speed and potential damage.

Front

What are the typical characteristics of a tornado?

Back

Tornadoes are characterized by a funnel-shaped cloud, extremely high winds, and a narrow path of destruction.