Tornado Science Quiz: Supercells, EF Ratings and Safety

Check your understanding of thunderstorm rotation, tornado warnings and how wind damage is rated.

Choose one answer per question. There’s no timer. You can skip a question; unanswered questions count as incorrect.

QUESTION 01What is a defining feature of a supercell thunderstorm?

A persistent rotating updraftA storm made entirely of iceNo wind at any heightThe absence of lightning

QUESTION 02What does wind shear mean in thunderstorm science?

Rainfall measured in inchesChanges in wind speed or direction with heightThe color of a cloud baseThe temperature of lightning

QUESTION 03What does a tornado watch mean?

A tornado is confirmed at every location in the watchAll severe weather has endedConditions are favorable for possible tornadoesA specific house has already been hit

QUESTION 04What should people do when a tornado warning applies to their location?

Wait outdoors for a funnel cloudStand beside windows to filmDrive beneath a highway overpassSeek suitable shelter immediately

QUESTION 05What does the Enhanced Fujita scale primarily use to assign tornado ratings?

Observed damage and associated wind estimatesThe number of lightning flashes onlyThe cloud color on satellite picturesOnly direct wind readings from a single weather station

QUESTION 06Which is the highest Enhanced Fujita tornado category?

EF1EF5EF3EF7

QUESTION 07When did the United States begin using the Enhanced Fujita scale?

1880195620072024

QUESTION 08Which statement about tornado-producing thunderstorms is most accurate?

Every supercell creates a tornadoA tornado can only form during a hurricaneTornadoes require snow on the groundNot all supercells produce tornadoes

QUESTION 09Which storm arrangement can also produce tornadoes besides supercells?

Lines of strong thunderstormsA cloudless, windless afternoonOcean tides without stormsA perfectly clear winter sky

QUESTION 10Which shelter location is generally recommended during a tornado warning?

Inside a mobile homeA basement or low interior room in a sturdy buildingUnder an elevated road overpassBeside large exterior windows

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