Section 3: Severe Weather

A tornado is dangerous mostly because of its strong winds. Tornadoes are characterized by extremely powerful rotating winds that can reach speeds of over 300 miles per hour. These winds can cause significant damage to buildings, uproot trees, and hurl debris at high velocities, posing a serious threat to human life and property. The strong winds of a tornado can also create a vacuum effect, leading to structural collapse and further destruction.

Cumulonimbus clouds are large, towering clouds that are associated with thunderstorms. These clouds are formed by strong updrafts of moist air, which can result in heavy rain, lightning, thunder, and sometimes even hail. Therefore, cumulonimbus clouds are likely to bring a thunderstorm.

The eye of a hurricane is a region characterized by warm, calm air and light winds. This is in contrast to the surrounding area of the hurricane, which experiences strong, spinning winds and spiraling bands of heavy rain. The eye is a relatively calm and clear area at the center of the storm, where the pressure is low and the air is descending. This calmness is due to the sinking air suppressing the formation of clouds and storms, resulting in a temporary break from the intense weather conditions of the hurricane.

Finding a high place to wait during a flash flood is a safety measure because floodwaters can rise rapidly and become dangerous. By being in a high place, such as a rooftop or upper floor of a building, individuals can reduce the risk of being swept away by the fast-moving water. Being at a higher elevation also increases the chances of being spotted and rescued by emergency responders. Therefore, finding a high place to wait is an effective safety measure during a flash flood.

When wind moves in two different directions over a prairie, it creates a spinning motion in the air in the middle. This spinning motion is known as a tornado. Tornadoes are characterized by their funnel-shaped cloud formation and strong winds that can cause significant damage. Unlike hurricanes, which form over warm ocean waters, tornadoes typically form over land and are associated with severe thunderstorms. Therefore, the correct answer is tornado.

Hurricanes are the most powerful storms on Earth due to their large size and intense wind speeds. These tropical cyclones form over warm ocean waters and can cause significant damage when they make landfall. With wind speeds that can exceed 150 miles per hour, hurricanes can destroy buildings, uproot trees, and cause widespread flooding. They are characterized by a well-defined eye at the center, surrounded by a rotating system of thunderstorms. Tornadoes, thunderstorms, and hailstorms can also be powerful, but hurricanes typically have a larger scale and longer duration, making them the most powerful storms overall.

Lightning is considered one of the most dangerous parts of a thunderstorm because it can cause significant damage and pose a serious threat to human life. It is characterized by a powerful electric discharge that occurs between a cloud and the ground, or between two different clouds. The discharge is caused by the buildup and release of electrical energy within the atmosphere. The intense heat generated by lightning can cause fires, explosions, and severe burns. Additionally, the associated thunder can be loud and startling, potentially causing further harm or distress.