Chpt 11.4&5 How do hurricanes cause damage_ Marshak et al. (2022)-1

What is the primary source of energy for hurricanes?

The energy comes primarily from latent heat released when water vapor in the storm condenses.

At what wind speed does a hurricane classify as a Category 1 storm?

A Category 1 hurricane has sustained winds of 119 km/h (74 mph) or less.

What catastrophic event occurred during Hurricane Katrina in 2005?

The storm surge caused significant flooding, resulting in nearly 80% of New Orleans being submerged.

Which hurricane recorded the highest wind speed and what was that speed?

Hurricane Patricia in 2015 recorded the strongest winds at 345 km/h (214 mph).

What type of damage can winds of 250 km/h (155 mph) wind cause to buildings?

Such winds exert over 1,200 times the pressure on a wall as compared to a 1 km/h (0.6 mph) wind.

What storm caused severe flooding in Puerto Rico in 2017?

Hurricane Maria caused extensive damage and suffering across Puerto Rico.

Why are Caribbean islands particularly vulnerable to hurricanes?

They frequently experience direct hits from hurricanes due to their geographic location and often poor construction quality.

What causes storm surge from a hurricane?

Storm surge develops mainly due to the wind of the storm driving water in front of it, creating a mound of water.

What impact did Hurricane Mitch have in 1998?

It caused catastrophic flooding, mudslides, and damages in Nicaragua, leading to thousands of fatalities.

How do stronger hurricane winds cause damage?

They apply dynamic pressure, the push of wind, on structures and can produce suction that tears buildings apart.

What effect does wind speed have on the damage caused by hurricanes?

The combined wind speed of a hurricane's rotation and its forward motion can greatly increase the total wind speed at different locations.

Which hurricane overwhelmed the island of Barbuda, making it uninhabitable?

Hurricane Irma was a Category 5 storm that caused extensive destruction on Barbuda.