Understanding Hurricanes

What is the minimum wind speed for a storm to be classified as a hurricane?

• 39 miles an hour

• 74 miles an hour

• 95 miles an hour

• 156 miles an hour

What are hurricanes called in the western Pacific Ocean?

• Cyclones

• Typhoons

• Monsoons

• Tornadoes

Which category of hurricane has wind speeds of 156 miles an hour or more?

• Category 1

• Category 3

• Category 4

• Category 5

What is the main factor that fuels a hurricane?

• Warm water

• High pressure

• Strong winds

• Cold air

What should you do before a hurricane if you have not evacuated?

• Go outside to watch the storm

• Leave all windows open

• Go near a window

• Stay indoors

What is a storm surge?

• A sudden increase in wind speed

• A rise in ocean water pushed ashore by a storm

• A type of rainstorm

• A decrease in air pressure

How do meteorologists predict the path of a hurricane?

• By observing animal behavior

• By counting the number of lightning strikes

• By measuring the height of waves

• By analyzing changes in temperature, cloud formations, and air circulation patterns

Why might future hurricanes be more powerful?

• Because of more frequent earthquakes

• Due to rising ocean temperatures from climate change

• Due to more frequent solar flares

• Because of increased volcanic activity