How Do Hurricanes Form? — Reading Comprehension

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

MS-ESS3-2

About This Reader

This NGSS-aligned science passage helps students understand how hurricanes form and why they are so powerful. It describes the conditions needed for hurricane formation—warm ocean water, moist air, and the Coriolis effect. Key concepts like the eye, eyewall, and storm surge are clearly explained. Real-world tools such as satellites and hurricane-hunting planes are discussed as part of the forecasting process. The passage supports middle school students' comprehension and aligns with NGSS Earth and Space Science standards related to weather systems and natural hazards. Ideal for classrooms focused on weather, forecasting, and storm preparedness.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Hurricanes are one of the most powerful and dangerous types of storms on Earth. They are large tropical cyclones that form over warm ocean waters near the equator. To become a hurricane, a storm needs certain conditions: warm water, moist air, and light wind high in the atmosphere. These ingredients help fuel the storm and make it stronger as it moves across the ocean.

The process begins when warm ocean water evaporates into the air. This moist air rises, cools, and forms clouds. As more air is pulled in, it starts to spin because of the Coriolis effect, caused by the Earth’s rotation. This spinning system becomes a tropical storm. If the wind speeds reach 74 miles per hour, the storm is officially called a hurricane.

Inside a hurricane, there is a calm center called the eye. The most intense winds and rain surround the eye in a region called the eyewall. Hurricanes lose strength when they move over land or into cooler water, but by that time, they can cause major damage. Strong winds, heavy rain, and

(rising seawater) can lead to flooding, destruction of homes, and loss of power.

Understanding how hurricanes form helps scientists forecast their path and strength. This gives people time to prepare, evacuate, or stay safe. Satellite images, computer models, and hurricane hunters (special aircraft that fly into storms) all help track these dangerous systems.

Hurricanes are a natural part of Earth’s weather system, but their effects can be devastating. With better science and planning, communities can reduce the damage and protect more lives.

Fun Fact: The word “hurricane” comes from the Taino Native American word hurakán, which means “evil spirit of the wind.”

What does a hurricane need to form?

Cold water and dry airMountains and treesWarm water and moist airSnow and ice

What wind speed marks the start of a hurricane?

50 mph60 mph74 mph100 mph

What is the eye of a hurricane?

The rainiest partThe outer edgeThe calm centerThe fastest wind zone

What happens to hurricanes when they reach land?

They grow strongerThey disappearThey freezeThey lose strength

Why is the Coriolis effect important in hurricane formation?

It helps the storm spinIt cools the stormIt stops clouds from formingIt causes snowstorms

What tools help scientists track hurricanes?

Telescopes and thermometersSatellites and aircraftFlashlights and compassesRadios and seismographs

What is the main idea of the passage?

Hurricanes are fun to watchHurricanes form in cold placesHurricanes are dangerous storms that form over warm waterHurricanes always hit land

If the ocean water gets warmer, what might happen?

Fewer hurricanesStronger hurricanesSlower windsMore snowstorms

Perfect For:

👩‍🏫 Teachers

• Reading comprehension practice
• Auto-graded assessments
• Literacy skill development

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents

• Reading practice at home
• Comprehension improvement
• Educational reading time

🏠 Homeschoolers

• Reading curriculum support
• Independent reading practice
• Progress monitoring

Reading Features:

📖

Reading Passage

Engaging fiction or nonfiction text

❓

Comprehension Quiz

Auto-graded questions

📊

Instant Feedback

Immediate results and scoring

📄

Printable Version

Download for offline reading