A hurricane is defined as a tropical storm with sustained winds of at least how many knots?

A hurricane is defined as a tropical storm with sustained winds of at least how many knots?

• A. 65 knots
• B. 25 knots
• C. 80 knots
• D. 100 knots

Answer: (A)

In tropical cyclone classification, wind speed thresholds separate different intensities. A tropical cyclone becomes a hurricane when its sustained winds reach at least 64 knots. That 64-knot mark corresponds to about 74 mph, and tropical storms stay below that, up to 63 knots. Among the options, 65 knots is the closest to the official minimum, matching the idea that once you’ve reached the 64-knot threshold, you’re in hurricane territory. The other values are either below the hurricane threshold or indicate a much higher intensity than the minimum required.

In tropical cyclone classification, wind speed thresholds separate different intensities. A tropical cyclone becomes a hurricane when its sustained winds reach at least 64 knots. That 64-knot mark corresponds to about 74 mph, and tropical storms stay below that, up to 63 knots. Among the options, 65 knots is the closest to the official minimum, matching the idea that once you’ve reached the 64-knot threshold, you’re in hurricane territory. The other values are either below the hurricane threshold or indicate a much higher intensity than the minimum required.