Extreme Weather Disasters Quiz
What is the maximum wind speed tornadoes are capable of?
- Tornadoes are capable of wind speeds of 250 mph or more.
When did the longest drought in the U.S. during the 20th century occur?
- During the 1930s a great "dust bowl" covered 50 million acres in the south central plains.
What is a tropical cyclone of severe intensity that occurs in the Pacific Ocean called?
- Typhoons are tropical cyclones that occur in the Pacific Ocean or adjacent seas. Hurricanes are cyclones that occur in the Atlantic Ocean or adjacent seas.
Where did the deadliest flood in U.S. history occur?
- More than 2,200 people died in a flood in Johnstown, Pa. in 1889.
Which of these isn't the name of a hurricane on the list of infamous retired hurricanes?
Approximately how much damage did the costliest hurricane of the 20th century do?
- In 1992, Hurricane Andrew caused about $26.5 billion in damages.
What killed more than 36,000 people after the eruption of Krakatoa in 1883?
- More than 36,000 people were killed by a tsunami after the eruption of Krakatoa on August 27, 1883.
Where was the lowest temperature recorded in the United States on Jan. 23, 1971?
- The lowest recorded temperature was –79.8 F at Prospect Creek Camp in northern Alaska.
When did the deadliest hurricane on record in the Western Hemisphere occur?
- 22,000 people died in "The Great Hurricane of 1780," in Martinique, St. Eustatius and Barbados.
What year did the United States start alternating between male and female names for hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico?
- Prior to 1979 only female names were used to name hurricanes.
How many billions in damage did Hurricane Andrew cause in 1992?
- Hurricane Andrew cost almost $27 billion.
