Question 1161Navigation General

The correct answer is D) 64 knots or greater. A hurricane is characterized by winds of 64 knots (approximately 74 mph) or greater. This definition is based on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which is the standard classification system used by the National Hurricane Center to categorize the intensity of hurricanes. Winds below 64 knots would be classified as a tropical storm, not a hurricane. The other options are incorrect because they do not meet the threshold for hurricane-force winds. Option A (up to 33 knots) is within the range of a weak tropical storm, Option B (34 to 47 knots) is within the range of a strong tropical storm, and Option C (48 to 63 knots) is within the range of a Category 1 hurricane, but not high enough to be considered a full-fledged hurricane.