At what sustained wind speed does the National Weather Service classify hurricanes?

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Multiple Choice

At what sustained wind speed does the National Weather Service classify hurricanes?

Explanation:
The classification of hurricanes by the National Weather Service begins at a sustained wind speed of 74 mph. This threshold is critical because it marks the transition from tropical storms to hurricanes. A hurricane is defined as a tropical cyclone that produces sustained winds of at least 74 mph, and it is categorized into different levels based on the maximum sustained winds. These categories help in assessing the potential damage and the necessary response measures, emphasizing the importance of understanding this specific wind speed in relation to hurricane preparedness and response strategies.

The classification of hurricanes by the National Weather Service begins at a sustained wind speed of 74 mph. This threshold is critical because it marks the transition from tropical storms to hurricanes. A hurricane is defined as a tropical cyclone that produces sustained winds of at least 74 mph, and it is categorized into different levels based on the maximum sustained winds. These categories help in assessing the potential damage and the necessary response measures, emphasizing the importance of understanding this specific wind speed in relation to hurricane preparedness and response strategies.

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