Weather Things: Hurricanes

Front

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

Back

74 mph

Front

How many categories are on the Saffir-Simpson scale?

Back

5

Front

What is the most dangerous part of a hurricane?

Back

Storm surge (flooding)

Front

What is a tropical storm?

Back

A tropical storm is a weather system that can develop into a hurricane if it reaches sufficient wind speeds.

Front

Why are hurricanes given names?

Back

Hurricanes are given names to make them easier to track and communicate about.

Front

What is the Saffir-Simpson scale used for?

Back

The Saffir-Simpson scale is used to classify hurricanes based on their wind speeds and potential damage.

Front

What is storm surge?

Back

Storm surge is a rise in sea level caused by a hurricane, leading to flooding in coastal areas.

Front

What are the main components of a hurricane?

Back

The main components of a hurricane include the eye, eyewall, and rainbands.

Front

What is the eye of a hurricane?

Back

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

Front

What happens to a hurricane when it moves over land?

Back

When a hurricane moves over land, it loses its source of warm water and typically weakens.