Question 1

What is the difference between a hurricane and a tropical storm?

Accepted Answer

The primary difference is wind speed; tropical storms have sustained winds between 39–73 mph (63–118 km/h), while hurricanes start at 74 mph (119 km/h).

Question 2

What causes these storms to form?

Accepted Answer

Warm ocean waters provide energy and moisture, fueling rapid storm development. Other contributing factors include atmospheric instability and certain wind patterns.

Question 3

What is the Saffir-Simpson scale?

Accepted Answer

This is the system used to categorize hurricanes from Category 1 (least severe) to Category 5 (most severe), based on wind speeds and potential damage.

Question 4

Are hurricanes increasing because of climate change?

Accepted Answer

Many scientists believe climate change is intensifying hurricanes, making them more powerful and potentially more destructive

Question 5

What hazards should people worry about?

Accepted Answer

Winds, floods, storm surge, tornadoes, and rip currents. Even after the storm passes, floodwaters and infrastructure damage can pose lingering dangers.

Question 6

Which part of Florida is safest from hurricanes?

Accepted Answer

northern and central parts of the state, further inland from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts

Question 7

What month is worst for hurricanes in Florida?

Accepted Answer

June to early August: Storms are less common but not impossible. ...
Mid-August through September: This is the peak of hurricane season, with the most intense and frequent storms.