Storms

Front

What is a thunderstorm?

Back

A thunderstorm is a rain-bearing cloud that produces lightning and thunder. It is characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and sometimes hail.

Front

What are the three stages of a thunderstorm?

Back

The three stages of a thunderstorm are Cumulus, Mature, and Dissipating.

Front

What causes thunderstorms to form?

Back

Thunderstorms form when warm, moist air rises and cools, leading to condensation and the release of energy.

Front

What is a hurricane?

Back

A hurricane is a large, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined circulation pattern, characterized by strong winds and heavy rain.

Front

How are hurricanes categorized?

Back

Hurricanes are categorized based on their wind speed using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

Front

What is the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale?

Back

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale categorizes hurricanes from Category 1 (weakest) to Category 5 (strongest) based on sustained wind speeds.

Front

What is the eye of a hurricane?

Back

The eye of a hurricane is a calm, clear area at the center of the storm, surrounded by the eyewall, where the most severe weather occurs.

Front

What happens to a hurricane when it moves over land?

Back

A hurricane loses energy and strength when it moves over land due to the lack of warm ocean water to fuel it.

Front

What is lightning?

Back

Lightning is a sudden electrostatic discharge that occurs during a thunderstorm, resulting in a bright flash of light and a thunderous sound.

Front

What is the safest action to take during a lightning storm?

Back

The safest action is to seek shelter indoors and avoid tall objects, such as trees.