Question 1

What is a hurricane?

Accepted Answer

A hurricane is a big storm with strong winds and lots of rain. It's like a giant spinning top that can cover hundreds of miles.

Question 2

How does a hurricane form?

Accepted Answer

Hurricanes form over warm ocean water. The warm air from the ocean rises, meeting cooler air, which creates big clouds and strong winds.

Question 3

Why do hurricanes spin?

Accepted Answer

Hurricanes spin because of the Earth's rotation. This spinning helps create the circular shape of the storm.

Question 4

Where do hurricanes usually happen?

Accepted Answer

Hurricanes usually happen over warm ocean waters like the Atlantic Ocean near the United States or the Pacific Ocean near Mexico.

Question 5

When do hurricanes occur?

Accepted Answer

Hurricanes mostly happen during the warmer months. In the Atlantic Ocean, they are most common from June to November.

Question 6

What makes a hurricane move?

Accepted Answer

Hurricanes move because of winds in the atmosphere. These winds push the hurricane along, like a big invisible hand.

Question 7

How are hurricanes named?

Accepted Answer

Hurricanes are named from a special list that repeats every six years. Each storm gets a name to help tell them apart.

Question 8

What is the eye of a hurricane?

Accepted Answer

The eye is the center part of the hurricane where it is calm and clear. It's surrounded by the fiercest parts of the storm.

Question 9

How fast do the winds in a hurricane blow?

Accepted Answer

The winds in a hurricane can blow really fast, at least 74 miles per hour. That's faster than most cars on a highway!

Question 10

What are the dangers of a hurricane?

Accepted Answer

Hurricanes can cause lots of damage because of strong winds, heavy rain, and big waves called storm surges. They can knock down trees and flood areas.

Question 11

How do people stay safe during a hurricane?

Accepted Answer

People stay safe by following instructions to evacuate if needed. They also stay indoors, away from windows, and have emergency supplies ready.

Question 12

Can hurricanes happen in cold places?

Accepted Answer

Hurricanes need warm water to form, so they usually don't happen in cold places. That's why you won't find them near the poles.

Question 13

What's the difference between a hurricane and a tornado?

Accepted Answer

A hurricane is much bigger and lasts longer than a tornado. Tornadoes are smaller and can form on land; they spin very fast but don't last as long.

Question 14

How do scientists predict hurricanes?

Accepted Answer

Scientists use weather satellites and computer models to predict hurricanes. They watch where the storm is going and how strong it might become.

Question 15

What is a storm surge?

Accepted Answer

A storm surge is a rise in ocean water level caused by a hurricane. It can flood areas near the coast, bringing lots of water onto the land.

Question 16

How long do hurricanes last?

Accepted Answer

Hurricanes can last for days or even weeks. They lose strength once they move over land or colder water.

Question 17

Why do hurricanes have different categories?

Accepted Answer

Hurricanes have categories to tell us how strong they are. A Category 1 is the weakest, while a Category 5 is the strongest with the most damage.

Question 18

Can animals sense hurricanes?

Accepted Answer

Some animals seem to sense when a hurricane is coming. They might act differently or leave an area as the storm approaches.

Question 19

What happens to fish during a hurricane?

Accepted Answer

Fish usually swim deeper to avoid the rough water on the surface. The ocean is safer for them than being near the top where the storm is strongest.

Question 20

Have hurricanes always existed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, hurricanes have been around for a long, long time. They are part of Earth's natural weather patterns.

The Science of Hurricanes - 20 FAQs Explained Simply