Hurricane Facts and Trivia

Hurricanes, also known as cyclones or typhoons, are powerful storms that form over warm tropical oceans. They release immense energy, equivalent to half a million atomic bombs daily. Hurricanes develop from tropical depressions and become official when winds reach 74 mph. The storm's structure includes a violent eye wall and a calm eye. Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage, especially through storm surges. Scientists use planes and 3D models to predict hurricane paths and provide warnings.

What are hurricanes also known as?

• Blizzards

• Earthquakes

• Cyclones

• Tornadoes

How much energy does an average hurricane release in a day?

• As much as a large atomic bomb

• As much as a nuclear power plant

• As much as half a million small atomic bombs

• As much as a small atomic bomb

What temperature must ocean water exceed for hurricanes to form?

• 102°

• 92°

• 82°

• 72°

At what wind speed does a tropical storm become a hurricane?

• 54 mph

• 39 mph

• 74 mph

• 100 mph

What is the calm area at the center of a hurricane called?

• The center

• The core

• The eye

• The vortex

How wide can a fully formed hurricane stretch?

• 100 miles

• 300 miles

• 700 miles

• 500 miles

What is the most dangerous aspect of a hurricane when it makes landfall?

• Storm surge

• Heavy rain

• Lightning

• High winds

Which hurricane was the most expensive natural disaster in US history as of 1992?

• Hurricane Harvey

• Hurricane Sandy

• Hurricane Katrina

• Hurricane Andrew

What do hurricane hunters use to gather data from storms?

• Drones

• Satellites

• Special planes

• Weather balloons

What new technology is helping scientists predict hurricanes more accurately?

• Virtual reality

• 4D models

• 3D models

• 2D models