Hurricane Basics
What is a hurricane?
A large storm system with strong winds and heavy rain that forms over warm ocean water.
What months make up the Atlantic hurricane season?
June to November.
What year did Hurricane Melissa affect Jamaica?
Tuesday, October 28th
What fuels a hurricane’s power?
Warm ocean water.
Name two items that should be in a hurricane emergency kit.
Food, water, flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, etc.
What’s the calm area in the center of a hurricane called?
The eye.
Name one Caribbean country besides Jamaica that often faces hurricanes.
Haiti, Cuba, the Bahamas, Dominica
Which part of Jamaica was most affected by Hurricane Melissa?
The areas worst affected by Hurricane Melissa were the western parishes, including:
What type of cloud is common in hurricanes?
Cumulonimbus clouds.
What should people do if a hurricane warning is issued?
Stay indoors, follow official instructions, and prepare emergency supplies.
What is the name of the person that studies hurricanes?
A meteorologist.
Why do hurricanes lose strength after reaching land?
They lose their source of warm ocean water.
What category storm was Hurricane Melissa when it passed Jamaica?
Category 5
What instrument measures air pressure?
A barometer.
What’s the safest part of a house during a hurricane?
A small, windowless room not prone to flooding.
What is the lowest category on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale?
Category 1.
Which ocean are most Caribbean hurricanes formed in?
The Atlantic Ocean.
Which Jamaican organization coordinates disaster response?
ODPEM – Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management.
What is climate change?
A long-term change in the Earth’s temperature and weather patterns, often caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels.
Why is it dangerous to walk or drive through floodwater?
It can be deeper or contaminated and cause drowning or illness and make moving difficult.
What are the three main parts of a hurricane?
The eye, the eyewall, and the rainbands.
Which hurricane violently hit Jamaica 37 years ago?
Hurricane Gilbert
What was one major impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica’s tourism or agriculture?
Flooding, damaged roads, loss of crops, disrupted travel, or power outages.
What layer of the atmosphere do hurricanes form in?
The troposphere.
What can schools do to help their community during hurricane season?
Educate students, provide shelters, or organize supply drives.