Hurricane Knowledge

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Questions and Answers

What are the five categories of hurricanes according to the Saffir-Simpson scale?

Category 1, Category 2, Category 3, Category 4, Category 5

What wind speed is required for a hurricane to be categorized as a Category 5?

157 mph or higher

When is the hurricane season in the United States?

June 1st to November 30th

What causes the most damage when a hurricane strikes land?

The storm surge Signup and view all the answers

What is the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale used for?

To categorize hurricanes according to their sustained wind speeds Signup and view all the answers

What is the wind speed range for a Category 2 hurricane?

Between 96 and 110 mph Signup and view all the answers

What are the two regions where hurricanes develop?

Atlantic Ocean and Eastern Pacific Ocean Signup and view all the answers

What are the two effects of hurricanes when they reach land?

Strong winds and heavy flooding Signup and view all the answers

What is a storm surge?

An abnormal rise in the level of water that reaches land during a hurricane Signup and view all the answers

What is the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale and how is it used?

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is a scale from 1 to 5 used to categorize hurricanes according to their sustained wind speeds. It is used as a guide to predict potential property damage and flooding expected along the coast when a hurricane strikes land. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most dangerous effect of a hurricane?

The most dangerous effect of a hurricane is the storm surge, which is a rapid and abnormally high rise of the ocean water on a coastline due to a hurricane. Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the effects of hurricanes when they reach land?

When hurricanes reach land, they can cause strong winds, heavy rain, uprooted and broken trees and power lines, destruction of homes and other buildings, and heavy flooding. Intense hurricanes can also trigger tornadoes. Signup and view all the answers

What causes the most damage when a hurricane strikes land?

The storm surge of a hurricane is often the most damaging effect of a hurricane. Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest category of hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale?

Category 5 Signup and view all the answers

How do hurricanes form and strengthen?

Hurricanes form and strengthen over warm ocean water, as the warm ocean water feeds the energy of the storm system. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale Categories

Category 1: 74-95 mph winds
Category 2: 96-110 mph winds
Category 3: 111-129 mph winds
Category 4: 130-156 mph winds
Category 5: 157 mph winds or higher

Hurricane Season in the United States

June 1st to November 30th

Hurricane Formation and Strengthening

Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters.
Warm, moist air rises and cools, creating thunderstorms.
If the thunderstorms rotate, a low-pressure area develops.
The rotating low-pressure area pulls in more warm, moist air, strengthening the storm.

Hurricane Damage and Impact

Storm Surge: The most dangerous effect of a hurricane, it's a wall of water that rushes ashore.
High Winds: Cause widespread damage to structures and vegetation.
Heavy Rainfall: Can lead to flooding, landslides, and erosion.
Tornadoes: Can form within the hurricane's circulation.
Swells: Can cause dangerous currents and rip tides.

What is the Saffir-Simpson Scale?

A scale used to classify hurricane intensity.
It classifies hurricanes based on wind speed.
Helps to assess potential damage and to issue appropriate warnings.

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Description

Test your knowledge about hurricanes and their destructive potential with this quiz. Learn about the different categories on the hurricane scale and the various effects they can have, including the most dangerous storm surge. Discover how hurricanes can cause damage and loss of life.