Hurricane Quiz

1. What is the center of a hurricane called?

The middle

The eye

The apex

The sweet spot

The center of the storm is called the "eye."

Explanation

The center of the storm is called the "eye."

2. Is it safe to go outside during a hurricane?

Yes

No

Always stay indoors during a hurricane, because strong winds will blow things around. Stay away from low-lying and flood prone areas.

Explanation

Always stay indoors during a hurricane, because strong winds will blow things around. Stay away from low-lying and flood prone areas.

3. On the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale, how many categories of hurricanes are there?

Five

Four

Three

Two

There are five categories of hurricanes (listed in order of intensity)on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale.

Explanation

There are five categories of hurricanes (listed in order of intensity)on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale.

4. The Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 and ends on:

Oct. 30

Nov. 1

Nov. 15

Nov. 30

The Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1 and ends on November 30 of each year.

Explanation

The Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1 and ends on November 30 of each year.

5. What is the most devastating element of a hurricane?

Wind speed

Storm surge

Wind direction

Barometric pressure

Storm surges are frequently the most devastating element of a hurricane. A storm surge can cause major flooding.

Explanation

Storm surges are frequently the most devastating element of a hurricane. A storm surge can cause major flooding.

6. What percentage of coastal dwellers are ready for a hurricane?

100%

50%

25%

15%

A recent survey states that only half of coastal dwellers have a disaster plan in place in case a hurricane strikes.

Explanation

A recent survey states that only half of coastal dwellers have a disaster plan in place in case a hurricane strikes.

7. Is there a difference between a hurricane and a typhoon?

Yes

No

A hurricane and a typhoon are the same kind of storm. In the Western Pacific, this type of storm is called a typhoon.

Explanation

A hurricane and a typhoon are the same kind of storm. In the Western Pacific, this type of storm is called a typhoon.

8. What wind speeds are associated with a tropical storm?

25 to 38 mph

39 to 73 mph

74 to 95 mph

96 to 110 mph

A tropical storm has maximum sustained wind speeds from 39 to 73 mph. A category 1 hurricane has wind speeds of 74 to 95 mph, while a category 2 hurricane has wind speeds of 96 to 110 mph.

Explanation

A tropical storm has maximum sustained wind speeds from 39 to 73 mph. A category 1 hurricane has wind speeds of 74 to 95 mph, while a category 2 hurricane has wind speeds of 96 to 110 mph.

9. How warm does the water temperature have to be for a hurricane to form?

65

70

75

80

Hurricanes only form over really warm water of 80 degrees or warmer.

Explanation

Hurricanes only form over really warm water of 80 degrees or warmer.

10. What year did the U.S. Weather Bureau switch to using men's names, as well as women's names?

1960

1965

1972

1979

In 1979, the U.S. Weather Bureau switched to using both men's and women's names for naming storms. This change was made to promote gender equality and inclusivity in the naming of weather events. Prior to this, only women's names were used, which had been a long-standing tradition. By including men's names as well, the Weather Bureau aimed to recognize and represent the diversity of individuals affected by storms.

Explanation

In 1979, the U.S. Weather Bureau switched to using both men's and women's names for naming storms. This change was made to promote gender equality and inclusivity in the naming of weather events. Prior to this, only women's names were used, which had been a long-standing tradition. By including men's names as well, the Weather Bureau aimed to recognize and represent the diversity of individuals affected by storms.