Hurricane Quiz

Quiz

1. We all know that earthquakes are rated using the Richter Scale. How are hurricanes ranked?

The Fujita Scale.
No. Hurricanes are ranked using the Saffir-Simpson Scale, as categories 1 through 5, based on wind speed, barometric pressure, and destructive potential. A Category 5 has wind speeds over 155 mph! As of the summer of 1999, the U.S. has seen only two Category 5 hurricanes this century.
The Fujita Scale is used to rank tornadoes, from F0 to F5, based on the degree of damage they caused. An F5 tornado has winds up to 318 mph!
The VEI Scale.
No. Hurricanes are ranked using the Saffir-Simpson Scale, as categories 1 through 5, based on wind speed, barometric pressure, and destructive potential. A Category 5 has wind speeds over 155 mph! As of the summer of 1999, the U.S. has seen only two Category 5 hurricanes this century.
The VEI Scale, or Volcanic Explosivity Index, is the measure of a volcano's eruption. A VEI of 8 is called mega-colossal, but no need to worry. An eruption that big only happens every 10,000 years or so.
Saffir-Simpson Scale.
Right! Hurricanes are ranked using the Saffir-Simpson Scale, as categories 1 through 5, based on wind speed, barometric pressure, and destructive potential. A Category 5 has wind speeds over 155 mph! As of the summer of 1999, the U.S. has seen only two Category 5 hurricanes this century.

2. A tropical storm with windspeeds over 74 miles an hour is called a hurricane when it occurs over the north Atlantic or eastern Pacific. What is its name if it's over the western Pacific?

Typhoon.
Yes! A typhoon is the Western Pacific equivalent of a hurricane.
Cyclone.
Sorry, you've blown a little off course. A typhoon is the Western Pacific equivalent of a hurricane.
They're called cyclones in the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific.
Tsunami.
Wipe out! A typhoon is the Western Pacific equivalent of a hurricane.
A tsunami is a gigantic ocean wave caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption.

3. Which storm pounded Central America in 1998, killing more than 11,000 people in Honduras, Nicaragua, and Guatemala?

Georges.
No. Right year, wrong hurricane. Mitch stormed Central America from October 26 to November 4, 1998. It was the deadliest Atlantic storm in 200 years.
Georges hit the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and the Florida Keys about a month earlier. About 600 people died, mostly in the Dominican Republic.
Mitch.
Yes. Mitch stormed Central America from October 26 to November 4, 1998. It was the deadliest Atlantic storm in 200 years.
Andrew.
No. Mitch stormed Central America from October 26 to November 4, 1998. It was the deadliest Atlantic storm in 200 years.
Andrew hit South Florida in 1992. It was the costliest hurricane ever to hit the U.S.

4. What is the windiest part of a hurricane?

The eye.
Not so fast! The wall is the part of the storm where all the wind and rain occurs.
The eye is the calm area in the center of the storm. A hurricane's eye can be 20 miles in diameter! But when it passes overhead, you know the storm's only half over.
The wall.
Yes! The wall of the hurricane is the area where the clouds are. It is here where the wind and rain occurs.
The eye is the calm area in the center of the storm. A hurricane's eye can be 20 miles in diameter! But when it passes overhead, you know the storm's only half over.

5. Which is more urgent?

A hurricane warning.
You bet! A hurricane warning is issued when a hurricane is expected within 24 hours.
A hurricane watch is announced when the storm's still 24 to 36 hours away.
A hurricane watch.
No, but don't relax yet. A hurricane warning is issued when a hurricane is expected within 24 hours.
A hurricane watch is announced when the storm's still 24 to 36 hours away.

1. We all know that earthquakes are rated using the Richter Scale. How are hurricanes ranked?
Saffir-Simpson Scale.

2. A tropical storm with windspeeds over 74 miles an hour is called a hurricane when it occurs over the north Atlantic or eastern Pacific. What is its name if it's over the western Pacific?
Typhoon.

3. Which storm pounded Central America in 1998, killing more than 11,000 people in Honduras, Nicaragua, and Guatemala?
Mitch.

4. What is the windiest part of a hurricane?
The wall.

5. Which is more urgent?
A hurricane warning.

Start Over Start Over

Next Quiz Next Quiz

View more quizzesView more quizzes