Understanding Hurricanes and the Saffir-Simpson Scale

What does the Saffir-Simpson scale primarily measure?

• Rainfall intensity

• Wind speed

• Storm surge height

• Temperature changes

Why was storm surge removed from the Saffir-Simpson scale?

• It was too difficult to measure

• It was considered inaccurate

• It was already included in wind speed

• It was not relevant to hurricanes

What is the proposed scale by Amanda Walker and David Titley intended to measure?

• Wind speed

• Rainfall intensity

• Storm surge damage

• Temperature changes

What is a significant factor contributing to the increased intensity of hurricanes?

• Decreased ocean salinity

• Rising sea levels and warmer waters

• Increased atmospheric pressure

• Decreased wind speeds

What percentage of hurricanes since 1983 have been classified as Category 5?

• 10%

• 7%

• 15%

• 20%

Which hurricane had sustained winds that could classify it as a Category 7 if the scale were extended?

• Hurricane Patricia

• Hurricane Ida

• Hurricane Dorian

• Hurricane Katrina

What is a 'grey swan' storm?

• A storm that occurs in unusual locations

• A storm that is completely unpredictable

• A storm that is unprecedented but can be predicted

• A storm that is less intense than expected

What is the primary recommendation for dealing with a Category 5 or 6 hurricane?

• Stock up on supplies

• Move to a higher floor

• Stay indoors and secure windows

• Evacuate the area

What is a potential risk of adding a Category 6 to the hurricane scale?

• It could lead to more accurate predictions

• It could increase the cost of hurricane preparedness

• It might cause people to underestimate lower category storms

• It would make evacuation more difficult

What is the main reason some meteorologists oppose increasing the hurricane scale?

• It would confuse the public

• It would not change the destructive potential of strong storms

• It would be too costly to implement

• It would require new technology