Understanding Tornadoes and Blizzards
48 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Where are tornadoes most likely to occur in the United States?

  • New York
  • Florida
  • Tornado Alley (correct)
  • California

    • Blizzards occur when winds blow at speeds of at least 20 miles per hour.

    False

    What should you do if a tornado warning is issued?

    Seek shelter in a sturdy building's basement or an interior room without windows.

    Tornadoes form when warm, moist air collides with ______ air.

    <p>cool, dry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following severe weather events with their characteristics:

    <p>Tornado = Causes flying debris and strong winds Blizzard = Has visibility reduced by heavy snowfall Tornado Alley = Region most likely for tornadoes in the U.S. Debris balls = Swirling objects within a tornado funnel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a danger associated with tornadoes?

    <p>Heavy snowfall</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Tornadoes can occur globally, not just in the United States.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of air does a blizzard require to form?

    <p>Cold air</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can cause power outages during an ice storm?

    <p>Accumulated ice</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Floods can occur in any geographical location without specific conditions.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one health hazard associated with contaminated floodwaters.

    <p>Bacteria</p> Signup and view all the answers

    To stay safe during a flood, it's important to have an emergency ______ ready.

    <p>kit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should you avoid doing during a flood?

    <p>Driving through floodwaters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following flood causes with their descriptions:

    <p>Heavy rainfall = Water overflows bodies of water Melting snow = Saturation of ground leading to floods Hurricanes = Storm events causing flooding</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What unique sound can ice-covered trees make during an ice storm?

    <p>Chiming</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Floods have played a significant role in shaping civilizations throughout history.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common reason for evacuating during a hurricane?

    <p>To seek safety</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hurricanes are known as cyclones or typhoons only in the United States.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should you have ready in your emergency kit for a hurricane?

    <p>water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The weight of ice during an ice storm can cause __________ outages.

    <p>power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following weather phenomena with their characteristics:

    <p>Hurricane = Strong winds and heavy rain Ice Storm = Freezing rain creating ice layers Cyclone = Tropical storm in the southern hemisphere Typhoon = Tropical storm in the western Pacific</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the key precautions to take during an ice storm?

    <p>Keep warm clothing handy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Names of hurricanes are retired if the storm is particularly destructive.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should you do if you encounter a downed power line during an ice storm?

    <p>never touch it and report it</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these regions is prone to wildfires?

    <p>Western United States</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Dust storms are more likely to occur in regions with dense vegetation.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one factor that can cause wildfires to start.

    <p>Lightning strikes or human activities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Wildfires can generate their own weather, creating fire __________ which can toss debris and flames into the air.

    <p>whirls</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can strong winds do during a wildfire?

    <p>Carry embers and cause fires to spread rapidly</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following natural events with their descriptions:

    <p>Wildfires = Can destroy homes and wildlife habitats Dust Storms = Create low visibility and coat surfaces with dust Fire whirls = Can toss debris and flames into the air Strong winds = Can exacerbate the spread of wildfires</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Certain pinecones survive wildfires by releasing seeds when exposed to fire heat.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What weather conditions are necessary to produce a dust storm?

    <p>Dry ground and strong winds</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one precaution to take during a dust storm?

    <p>Stay indoors if possible</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Severe thunderstorms can occur in cold and dry climates.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What natural phenomenon can dust storms disrupt?

    <p>Transportation, power lines, and communication networks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Severe thunderstorms can bring lightning, strong winds, heavy rain, and even __________.

    <p>hail</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the causes to their respective storm types:

    <p>Dust Storm = Irritation to eyes and respiratory system Severe Thunderstorm = Lightning, strong winds, and heavy rain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following can be a risk associated with severe thunderstorms?

    <p>Flash floods</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Dust storms cannot travel long distances.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to warm moist air when it rises in the atmosphere during a severe thunderstorm?

    <p>It cools down and forms towering clouds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main source of energy for thunderstorms?

    <p>Warmth of the Earth's surface</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hail storms can occur without the presence of thunderstorms.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What temperature can lightning in thunderstorms reach?

    <p>30,000 degrees Celsius</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hail stones can vary in size from small pellets to _______ sized chunks.

    <p>golf ball</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following aspects of hail storms with their descriptions:

    <p>Updraft = Strong upward movement of air Hailstone size = Varies from small pellets to large chunks Thunderstorms = Source of hail storms Shelter = Best way to stay safe during hail storms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the largest recorded hailstone's diameter?

    <p>8 inches</p> Signup and view all the answers

    It is safe to stay outside during a hail storm if you are careful.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be present for hail to form in thunderstorms?

    <p>Strong updrafts and cold air at high altitudes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Tornadoes

    • Tornadoes are powerful storms, most likely to occur in "Tornado Alley" (Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas) but can occur worldwide
    • Formed during thunderstorms; warm, moist air clashes with cool, dry air, creating a spinning motion
    • Dangers include strong winds destroying buildings, uprooting trees, and sending objects as missiles
    • Unpredictable, difficult to predict exact locations
    • Disrupt power and transport systems
    • Staying safe, requires knowing what to do, and being prepared
    • Important to seek shelter in sturdy buildings like basements or interior rooms without windows
    • Seeking low-lying areas (ditches) if outdoors or in a vehicle
    • Understanding the power of tornadoes and having a plan is crucial for safety

    Blizzards

    • Intense winter storms, commonly occurring in areas with cold climates (northern parts of USA, Canada, Russia, Scandinavia)
    • Combination of strong winds and heavy snowfall
    • Winds of 35mph+, and low visibility due to snow
    • Hazards include massive snowdrifts blocking roads, making travel difficult or impossible
    • Low visibility creates difficulty in seeing landmarks and road signs
    • Risk of frostbite and hypothermia due to extremely cold temperatures
    • Safety measures include staying indoors, wearing warm layers, and avoiding unnecessary travel
    • If driving, safely pulling over and waiting for conditions to improve

    Hurricanes

    • Large powerful storms over warm ocean waters near the equator (Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Pacific Ocean)
    • Form when warm, moist air rises from the ocean's surface, cools, and forms clouds, creating a cycle of swirling winds
    • Dangers include strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surges
    • Storm surges – giant walls of water from hurricane winds, can flood coastal areas, destroying buildings
    • Heavy rainfall, potentially leading to flash floods and landslides in the affected region
    • Hurricanes disrupt daily life causing problems with power lines, roads, and other essential services

    Ice Storms

    • Unique weather phenomenon transforming areas into a frozen wonderland
    • Occur in areas with cold climates (US, Canada)
    • When raindrops freeze on contact with cold surfaces (trees, power lines, roads), creating a thick layer of ice
    • Dangers of ice storms include brought down power lines and tree branches and causing power outages, hazardous ice on sidewalks and streets causing difficulties in walking and driving, damage to buildings from the weight of ice, closing schools and businesses
    • Safety precautions include keeping a supply of warm clothing, non-perishable food and flashlights in case of power outages, avoiding unnecessary exterior travel and cautiously walking on salted paths, reporting downed power lines to authorities immediately.

    Floods

    • Natural disasters caused by overflowing rivers, lakes, or coasts; often a result of heavy rainfall, rapid snowmelt, or hurricanes
    • Dangers include water carrying debris and pollutants, causing health hazards
    • Dangers include damage to buildings, washing away cars, ruining crops, and disrupting daily life
    • Safety measures include following weather forecasts and evacuation orders, keeping important belongings in higher ground and having an emergency kit, avoiding floodwaters, and understanding potential risks

    Wildfires

    • Intense fires spreading quickly through dry vegetation, often in dry climates with abundant vegetation
    • Dangers include destroying homes, habitats, natural resources, and causes air quality problems including breathing difficulties
    • Causes a very significant damage to homes and wildlife
    • Weather required includes hot temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds
    • Safety measures follow evacuation orders and safety guidelines given by authorities to stay safe

    Dust Storms

    • Occur in dry, arid areas with little vegetation (Sahara Desert, Arabian Desert, southwestern US)
    • Strong winds carry loose soil and sand into the air
    • Dangers include reduced visibility leading to accidents, and causing respiratory problems
    • Dust storms transport dust thousands of miles, influencing weather systems, air quality, and even ocean ecosystems; impacting other regions besides the immediate area

    Severe Thunderstorms

    • Intense storms featuring combinations of lightning, strong winds, heavy rain, and potentially hail
    • Form when warm, moist air (near ground) rises and meets cooler air higher up in the atmosphere
    • Dangerous aspects including lightning strikes, strong winds damaging trees, power lines and buildings, and heavy rain causing flash floods, along with large hails damaging houses and crops
    • Important measures for safety during such storms include staying indoors, avoiding contact with electrical systems, and understanding the potential risks

    Hail Storms

    • Associated with thunderstorms, hail form when updrafts in storms carry raindrops high into the cold atmosphere, freezing them into ice
    • Hailstones can vary in size from small pellets to golf ball-sized chunks
    • Dangers include damaging roofs, windows, cars, and crops, and causing injuries from hailstones
    • Staying indoors is usually considered as safe measure during a hail storm

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Severe Weather Events Gallery Walk PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores the characteristics and dangers of tornadoes and blizzards. Learn about their formation, impact on the environment, and safety measures to take during these severe weather events. Understanding these storms is essential for ensuring safety in affected regions.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser