Hurricanes and tornadoes

What is a hurricane?

A large storm characterized by strong winds and heavy rain, forming over warm ocean waters.

True or false: Tornadoes usually form over water.

False, because tornadoes typically form over land.

Difference between a hurricane and a tornado?

Hurricanes are large, tropical storms, while tornadoes are smaller, violently rotating columns of air.

What scales measure hurricanes?

The Saffir-Simpson scale measures hurricane intensity from Category 1 to 5, based on wind speed.

What is a tornado watch?

A tornado watch indicates conditions are favorable for tornado formation in the area.

Fill in the blank: Hurricanes form over _____ waters.

warm ocean

What is the eye of a hurricane?

The calm center of a hurricane surrounded by the eyewall, where the strongest winds occur.

What is a funnel cloud?

A rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm and can become a tornado.

True or false: All hurricanes cause flooding.

True, because hurricanes bring heavy rainfall and storm surges that can lead to flooding.

What is the main cause of tornadoes?

Tornadoes are primarily caused by severe thunderstorms, specifically supercells.

What does the Enhanced Fujita Scale measure?

It measures tornado intensity based on the damage caused to buildings and vegetation.

Fill in the blank: Wind speed for a hurricane must exceed _____ mph.

74

Which is NOT a hurricane region in the U.S.?

The Midwest, as hurricanes primarily affect coastal areas.

What is storm surge?

An increase in sea level due to a hurricane's winds, leading to coastal flooding.

How do meteorologists track hurricanes?

Using satellite imagery, radar, and weather buoy data to observe storm movement and intensity.

What time of year do tornadoes occur most in the U.S.?

Tornadoes are most common in spring and early summer due to severe weather conditions.