Hurricanes

Front

What is a hurricane?

Back

A hurricane is a powerful tropical storm with strong winds and heavy rain, classified as a type of cyclone.

Front

What wind speed must a storm reach to be classified as a hurricane?

Back

A storm must reach wind speeds of 74 mph or higher to be classified as a hurricane.

Front

What happens to a hurricane as it moves inland?

Back

As a hurricane moves inland, it slows down and gets weaker due to the lack of warm ocean water.

Front

What conditions are necessary for a hurricane to strengthen?

Back

A hurricane needs warm ocean water, wind, and water temperatures of at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit to strengthen.

Front

True or False: A hurricane is a very powerful storm.

Back

True.

Front

What is the main source of energy for a hurricane?

Back

The main source of energy for a hurricane is warm ocean water.

Front

What is the eye of a hurricane?

Back

The eye of a hurricane is the calm center of the storm, surrounded by the eyewall where the strongest winds occur.

Front

What is the difference between a hurricane and a tropical storm?

Back

A hurricane has sustained wind speeds of 74 mph or higher, while a tropical storm has wind speeds between 39 mph and 73 mph.

Front

What scale is used to measure the intensity of hurricanes?

Back

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is used to measure the intensity of hurricanes.

Front

What are the categories of hurricanes based on the Saffir-Simpson scale?

Back

The Saffir-Simpson scale categorizes hurricanes from Category 1 (least severe) to Category 5 (most severe).