20.3 Understanding Severe Storms and Responses

Which of the following best describes the primary difference between a hurricane and a tornado in terms of their formation and scale?

• Hurricanes form over land and are smaller in scale than tornadoes.

• Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters and are much larger in scale than tornadoes.

• Tornadoes form over oceans and last longer than hurricanes.

• Tornadoes and hurricanes form under identical conditions.

Answer explanation

Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters, gaining energy from the heat, and are significantly larger in scale compared to tornadoes, which form over land and are much smaller and shorter-lived weather phenomena.

A community is located in a coastal area prone to hurricanes. Which preparedness plan would be most effective in reducing loss of life?

• Stockpiling food and water only.

• Developing evacuation routes and conducting regular emergency drills.

• Building more houses near the shore.

• Ignoring weather warnings.

Answer explanation

Developing evacuation routes and conducting regular emergency drills ensures that the community is prepared to respond quickly and safely during a hurricane, significantly reducing the risk of loss of life.

Given the following weather data: rapidly falling barometric pressure, increasing wind speeds, and darkening skies, which severe storm is most likely approaching?

• Thunderstorm

• Tornado

• Hurricane

• Tsunami

Answer explanation

A hurricane is characterized by rapidly falling barometric pressure, increasing wind speeds, and darkening skies. These conditions indicate a severe storm system, making a hurricane the most likely approaching storm.

Which of the following is the most likely impact of a tsunami on a coastal community?

• Heavy snowfall

• Widespread flooding and destruction of infrastructure

• Increased air pollution

• Drought conditions

Answer explanation

A tsunami causes massive waves that lead to widespread flooding and can destroy infrastructure in coastal communities, making this the most likely impact. Other options like heavy snowfall or drought are unrelated.

A city is reviewing its storm preparedness plan. Which of the following would best improve their response to tornadoes?

• Installing more streetlights

• Creating designated storm shelters and a warning system

• Planting more trees

• Building taller buildings

Answer explanation

Creating designated storm shelters and a warning system directly enhances tornado response by providing safe locations for residents and timely alerts, crucial for minimizing harm during such emergencies.

Which weather data would you analyze to predict the likelihood of a thunderstorm?

• Ocean salinity levels

• Humidity, temperature, and atmospheric pressure

• Soil composition

• Earthquake frequency

Answer explanation

To predict thunderstorms, analyzing humidity, temperature, and atmospheric pressure is crucial, as these factors influence storm formation. Ocean salinity, soil composition, and earthquake frequency are not directly related.

Compare the typical warning times for hurricanes and tornadoes. Which statement is correct?

• Tornadoes usually have longer warning times than hurricanes.

• Hurricanes usually have longer warning times than tornadoes.

• Both have the same warning times.

• Neither can be predicted in advance.

Answer explanation

Hurricanes can be tracked over days, allowing for warnings up to a week in advance. In contrast, tornadoes develop rapidly, often giving only minutes to an hour of warning. Therefore, hurricanes usually have longer warning times than tornadoes.

A community has experienced repeated flooding from hurricanes. Which strategic change would most effectively reduce future damage?

• Building homes with basements

• Constructing levees and improving drainage systems

• Planting more grass

• Increasing the number of street vendors

Answer explanation

Constructing levees and improving drainage systems directly addresses flooding by controlling water flow and managing excess rain, making it the most effective strategy to reduce future damage from hurricanes.

Given a scenario where a thunderstorm is forecasted with high winds and hail, which action should a school take to ensure student safety?

• Dismiss students early without notification

• Move students to interior rooms away from windows

• Continue outdoor activities as planned

• Open all windows

Answer explanation

To ensure student safety during a thunderstorm with high winds and hail, moving students to interior rooms away from windows is crucial. This action minimizes the risk of injury from flying debris and hail.

Which of the following best explains why tsunamis can cause more fatalities than hurricanes, even if wind speeds are lower?

• Tsunamis are always accompanied by earthquakes.

• Tsunamis can arrive with little warning and cause rapid, widespread flooding.

• Hurricanes never cause flooding.

• Tsunamis only affect uninhabited areas.

Answer explanation

Tsunamis can arrive with little warning and cause rapid, widespread flooding, leading to more fatalities compared to hurricanes, which typically allow for some preparation time.