Hurricanes: A Force of Nature

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What is a hurricane?

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A hurricane is a large, powerful storm that forms over warm ocean waters and can cause strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding.

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What does the term 'sustained winds' mean?

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Sustained winds refer to the average wind speed over a specific period, usually measured in miles per hour (mph).

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What is the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale?

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It is a scale that categorizes hurricanes based on their sustained wind speeds, ranging from Category 1 (least severe) to Category 5 (most severe).

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What are the characteristics of a Category 3 hurricane?

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A Category 3 hurricane has sustained winds of 111 to 129 mph and can cause significant damage.

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What role do hurricane hunters play?

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Hurricane hunters are pilots who fly specially equipped planes into hurricanes to collect data on wind speed, pressure, and storm structure.

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What is the eyewall of a hurricane?

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The eyewall is the area surrounding the eye of the hurricane, where the strongest winds and heaviest rains occur.

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What is the eye of a hurricane?

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The eye is the calm center of a hurricane, characterized by low pressure and light winds.

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Why are hurricanes considered a force of nature?

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Hurricanes are powerful natural phenomena that can cause widespread destruction and impact weather patterns.

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What is the importance of meteorologists studying hurricanes?

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Meteorologists study hurricanes to predict their paths, intensity, and potential impact, helping communities prepare and respond.

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What is storm surge?

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Storm surge is the rise in sea level caused by a hurricane's winds pushing water toward the shore, leading to flooding.