Hurricane Categories and Impacts

Hurricanes vary in size and threat but are ranked by wind speed using the Saffir-Simpson scale. They form over warm ocean waters and can develop into tropical storms or hurricanes. Tropical storms have winds of 39-73 mph, while hurricanes start at 74 mph. Category 1 and 2 hurricanes cause damage to roofs and power outages. Major hurricanes, Category 3 and above, can cause devastating damage and long-term power loss. Additional threats include heavy rain, storm surge, and flooding. It's crucial to heed all forecast details for safety.

What is the primary factor used to rank hurricanes?

• Storm duration

• Temperature

• Rainfall amount

• Wind speed

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

• 74 miles per hour

• 95 miles per hour

• 73 miles per hour

• 39 miles per hour

What is the wind speed range for a Category 1 hurricane?

• 96 to 110 miles per hour

• 111 to 129 miles per hour

• 74 to 95 miles per hour

• 39 to 73 miles per hour

Which of the following is a potential consequence of a Category 2 hurricane?

• Uninhabitable areas for months

• Isolated residential areas

• Uprooted trees

• Minor roof damage

What wind speed range defines a Category 3 hurricane?

• 96 to 110 miles per hour

• 111 to 129 miles per hour

• 157 miles per hour or greater

• 130 to 156 miles per hour

What is a possible outcome of a Category 4 hurricane?

• Power outages lasting days

• Severe damage to well-built homes

• Minimal flooding

• Minor roof damage

What wind speed qualifies a hurricane as Category 5?

• 111 to 129 miles per hour

• 130 to 156 miles per hour

• 96 to 110 miles per hour

• 157 miles per hour or greater

Which of the following is NOT a threat associated with hurricanes?

• Heavy rain

• Storm surge

• Earthquakes

• Tornadoes

Why is it important to listen to all forecast details during a hurricane?

• To predict the storm's duration

• To understand the variety of threats

• To determine the storm's name

• To know the exact wind speed

What additional risk can hurricanes bring besides wind damage?

• Snowstorms

• Coastal and inland flooding

• Drought

• Volcanic eruptions