Extreme Weather Reading Questions

What is weather?

• The condition of the atmosphere at a certain point in time
• The average atmospheric conditions for a particular location over time
• Events that change the atmosphere, such as rain, wind, and tornadoes
• Movement of air due to pressure systems

What 2 factors create wind?

• Humidity
• Pressure
• Temperature
• Earth's rotation

What kind of front is associated with thunderstorms? Why?

What conditions must be present for a thunderstorm to form? (There is more than one answer!)

• The air must be full of moisture
• There must be a large temperature difference between air masses or parts of the atmosphere
• There must be a constant supply of warm, unstable air rising into the atmosphere
• A warm front displaces a cold front
• The air must be dry

What determines how long a thunderstorm will last?

• As long as warm air continues to rise and feed the storm
• How long it takes to cool off the ground underneath the storm
• How much water is in the atmosphere
• Whether air in the atmosphere is moving in the same direction or opposite directions

The area in the United States that experiences the most tornadoes is called:

• Tornado Central
• Tornado Alley
• Dixie Alley
• Storm Central

What is the difference between a tornado and a hurricane?

• Tornadoes form in the Pacific Ocean while hurricanes form in the Atlantic Ocean
• Tornadoes form over land while hurricanes form over water
• Tornadoes can form during the winter while hurricanes form in the summer
• Tornadoes happen in the northern hemisphere while hurricanes happen in the southern hemisphere

What is the difference between a storm watch and a storm warning?

• A storm watch means severe weather is occurring now while a warning is sent out to let you prepare
• A storm warning means severe weather is occurring now while a watch is sent out to let you know to prepare
• A storm watch is a local alert while a warning is a state-wide alert
• A warning is only used for severe, extreme weather while watches are used for lesser storms

Which of the following hazards may occur due to thunderstorms? (Choose all that apply)

• Floods
• Fires
• Hailstones
• Strong winds
• Tornadoes

What is the most common type of severe weather?

• Hurricane
• Tornado
• Thunderstorm
• Blizzard