Questions
Question 1
In general, most deaths from tropical cyclones that have moved inland occur as a result of: (Choose the best answer)
The correct answer is d.
Flooding from heavy rainfall has caused most hurricane-related deaths in inland areas.
Question 2
On the coast, most deaths from tropical cyclones usually occur from: (Choose the best answer)
The correct answer is c.
In coastal areas, storm surge is the most dangerous hazard, which is why those areas are usually the first to be evacuated.
Question 3
Other things being equal, storm surge will be greater in an area where the continental slope is shallow.
The correct answer is True.
In general, a shallow continental slope offshore of a coast will result in a larger storm surge than a steep continental slope.
Question 4
If a hurricane is predicted to have a storm surge of 9 feet, and the storm will come ashore during a low tide of 1.0 ft, which locations on the coast would likely be affected? (Choose the best answer)
The correct answer is c.
In order to calculate the total storm tide, add the storm surge (9 ft) and the tide value (1 ft). Areas at elevations less than that are at risk of flooding from storm surge.
Question 5
Winds at the top of a high rise building are usually: (Choose the best answer)
The correct answer is a.
Wind speeds usually increase with height above ground level, so the winds at the top of a high rise building can be expected to be stronger than those at ground level.
Question 6
Flooding is more likely when: (Choose all that apply)
The correct answers are b, d, and e.
Flooding is more likely if previous rain has already saturated the ground, the tropical storm is large so the rains cover a larger area, and if the rainbands move slowly. Also, flooding is more likely in hilly/mountainous areas where the streams are more confined and cannot spread out.
Question 7
Which statement(s) about the graphic below is (are) correct? (Choose all that apply)
The correct answers are b and d.
The green dotted line indicates that the river is expected to crest at 27.2 ft, which is just slightly above what is considered Major Stage (27.0 ft, indicated by the purple area). At the current time (the black dashed line), the level is 26.45 ft. The lowest level in the 10 days depicted in the graph is about 13 ft (blue line), so 27.2-13 ft is just slightly more than 14 ft above the lowest level during the week.
Question 8
Evacuations should be complete by the time winds reach Saffir-Simpson Category 2.
The correct answer is False.
The rule of thumb is that evacuations should be complete when winds reach tropical storm force speed (39-73 mph or 34-63 kt). This is because winds at these speeds can blow hazardous debris around, jeopardizing the safety of the public and emergency responders.
Question 9
The right-front quadrant of a hurricane is important because: (Choose all that apply)
The correct answers are b, c, and d.
Recall from the Basics section that the steering winds compound the hurricane wind speeds in the right-front quadrant. That additional wind speed also creates higher storm surge in this area (other factors, such as continental slope, being equal). Tornadoes also are more likely to occur in this part of the storm.
Question 10
A tornado warning means that a tornado is possible sometime in the next few hours.
The correct answer is False.
A warning means that a tornado has been sighted by observers or that radar shows that one has probably formed, and that people in the affected areas should take appropriate shelter immediately. A watch means that conditions are right for tornado formation and that people should be alert and should monitor NOAA weather radio and media broadcasts.