Formation
What temperature must ocean water reach for a hurricane to form?
26.5°C or higher
What months make up the Caribbean hurricane season?
June to November
Name one way hurricanes can disrupt daily life.
School closures, transportation shutdowns, or power outages
What happens to agriculture during a hurricane?
Crops and livestock are destroyed, threatening food supply.
Name one item you should include in a hurricane emergency kit.
Water, canned food, flashlight, batteries, first-aid kit
What is the Coriolis Effect and how does it affect hurricanes?
It’s the deflection of moving air due to Earth’s rotation; it causes hurricanes to spin.
Why are low-lying coastlines more vulnerable to hurricanes?
They flood easily and are more exposed to storm surges.
What disease can spread due to contaminated floodwaters?
Leptospirosis
How do hurricanes affect tourism in the Caribbean?
Hotels and attractions are damaged, and tourists avoid the region.
What should you do if authorities issue an evacuation order?
Follow it and evacuate immediately.
What is the minimum wind speed for a storm to be classified as a hurricane?
74 mph (119 km/h)
Name two corridors where hurricanes commonly pass through the Caribbean.
Eastern & Central Caribbean Corridor and Southern Arc Corridor
How do hurricanes affect schools and transportation?
Schools close and roads become blocked or damaged.
What kind of infrastructure is often damaged by hurricanes?
Roads, bridges, airports, and power lines
Why is it important to charge devices before a hurricane?
To stay informed and communicate during power outages.
Name the process that causes warm, moist air to rise and form storms.
Convection
What makes the Caribbean–Gulf Convergence Zone significant
It’s where storms often intensify before entering the Gulf of Mexico.
What kind of psychological effects can hurricanes cause?
Fear, anxiety, and trauma
Why do insurance costs rise after a hurricane?
Increased risk leads to higher premiums, and many can’t afford coverage
What should you avoid after a hurricane passes?
Floodwaters—they may be contaminated or hide electrical hazards.
Describe the typical path a hurricane takes from formation to landfall in the Caribbean.
Forms off the coast of Africa, moves westward across the Atlantic, then curves northward.
Why do hurricanes hit the Caribbean so frequently?
Warm waters and consistent storm tracks make the region a frequent target.
Why is displacement especially hard for small island communities?
Everyone is closely connected, and resources for recovery are limited.
How did the 2024 hurricane affect Jamaica’s GDP?
Caused US $8.8 billion in damage—about 32–40% of GDP.
What are three things you should do to secure your home before a hurricane?
Reinforce roofs, board windows, bring in outdoor items