Why are so many hurricanes hitting the U.S.?

What is the maximum wind speed of Hurricane Irma?

• 156 mph

• 180 mph

• 185 mph

• 200 mph

Answer explanation

The maximum wind speed of Hurricane Irma was indeed 185 mph. This makes the correct choice '

185 mph

'. The other options listed, 156 mph, 180 mph, and 200 mph, are not correct. This is a significant speed, making Hurricane Irma one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded.

Which two major ingredients are contributing to the formation of major hurricanes in the Atlantic?

• Low wind shear and warm ocean temperatures

• High wind shear and low ocean temperatures

• High wind shear and high ocean temperatures

• Low wind shear and low ocean temperatures

Answer explanation

The major ingredients for the formation of hurricanes in the Atlantic are low wind shear and warm ocean temperatures. Low wind shear allows the storm to form and maintain its structure, while warm ocean temperatures fuel the storm's growth by providing the energy needed for condensation and evaporation.

What is the potential track area of Hurricane Irma?

• Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala

• El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua

• Cuba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas

• Bermuda, Costa Rica, and the Bahamas

Answer explanation

The potential track area of Hurricane Irma includes Cuba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. This is highlighted in the correct option. The other options mention different areas that were not in the track area of the hurricane. Hence, the correct answer is 'Cuba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas'.

When was the last time a Category 5 hurricane hit the mainland U.S.?

• 1992

• 2005

• 2017

• Never

Answer explanation

The last time a Category 5 hurricane hit the mainland U.S. was in 1992. This is verified by the answer option '1992'. This catastrophic event was Hurricane Andrew, which struck Florida causing substantial damage and loss of life.

What is the expected severity and threat of Hurricane Irma to the U.S.?

• Category 5 landfall

• Category 4 landfall

• Category 3 landfall

• Category 2 landfall

Answer explanation

The question asks about the expected severity and threat of Hurricane Irma to the U.S. Based on the provided options, it was expected to make landfall as a Category 4 hurricane. A Category 4 hurricane is classified as a major hurricane with potential for significant damage.

What is the reason behind the increase in the number of hurricanes heading towards the U.S.?

• Change in air pressure along the East Coast

• El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)

• Low wind shear and high ocean temperatures

• Ridge of low pressure along the east coast

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Ridge of low pressure along the east coast'. It is believed that hurricanes are directed towards the U.S. due to the presence of this ridge. Low pressure areas are known to attract storms. As such, the low pressure system on the east coast serves as a pathway directing hurricanes towards the U.S.

What is the potential damage estimate if a hurricane of Hurricane Donna's magnitude hits Florida today?

• $10 billion to $20 billion

• $20 billion to $50 billion

• $50 billion to $100 billion

• $100 billion to $200 billion

Answer explanation

The question asks about the potential damage estimate if a hurricane of Hurricane Donna's magnitude were to hit Florida today. The correct answer is '$50 billion to $100 billion'. Damage estimates are calculated based on factors such as the intensity of the hurricane, the area it would affect, and the cost of infrastructure and property in that area.

What is the impact of Irma's storm surge on south Florida?

• Heavy rains and flooding

• Record-breaking rainfall

• Hurricane-force winds

• Massive destruction

Answer explanation

The question asks about the impact of Irma's storm surge on southern Florida. Among the provided options, 'Heavy rains and flooding' aligns best with the consequence of a storm surge, which is a rise in sea level that inundates coastal areas. The storm surge from Irma indeed caused heavy rains and subsequent flooding in south Florida.

What was the duration of Hurricane Irma?

• 10 days

• 12 days

• 14 days

• 16 days

Answer explanation

Hurricane Irma, a powerful tropical cyclone, lasted for a total of 12 days.

Will Hurricane Irma be classified as a Category 6 storm?

• Yes, due to its wind speed

• No, because Category 5 is already catastrophic

• Yes, due to its potential damage

• No, because it is not strong enough

Answer explanation

According to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, the classification of hurricanes stops at Category 5, which already denotes catastrophic damage potential. The question asked about a potential Category 6 classification for Hurricane Irma, but such a category does not exist in the current scale. Therefore, the correct answer is 'No, because Category 5 is already catastrophic'.