Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever experienced a storm? If so, what kind of storm was it and how did it affect you? If not, what do you think it would be like to experience one?
- What do you know about how storms form? Can you describe the conditions that might lead to the formation of a storm?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- flash flood /FLASH fluhd/
- landfall /LAND-fawl/
- dissipate /DIS-uh-peyt/
- tornado /tawr-NAY-doh/
- associate with /uh-SOH-shee-eyt with/
[noun] – a sudden and severe flood, typically caused by heavy rain
After the heavy rain, a flash flood swept through the village, damaging homes and roads.
[noun] – the point at which a storm moves from the sea onto land
The hurricane made landfall on the east coast, bringing strong winds and heavy rain.
[verb] – to gradually disappear or fade away
The storm began to dissipate as it moved inland, losing its strength.
[noun] – a violent and destructive rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground
The tornado caused significant damage to the small town, destroying buildings and uprooting trees.
[phrasal verb] – to be connected with something in some way
Heavy rainfall is often associated with the arrival of tropical storms.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Tropical Storm Alberto formed recently in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, marking the beginning of a predicted active hurricane season, as experts had forecasted. The storm brought strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding to northern Mexico and the coasts of Texas. Particularly heavy rainfall caused mudslides and flash floods, impacting states like Tamaulipas, Coahuila, and Nuevo Leon in Mexico, where some areas received over 20 inches of rain. Local authorities responded by closing schools, opening shelters, and advising residents to stay informed through civil protection alerts in case of evacuation orders.
In Tampico, a city in Tamaulipas experiencing a severe drought, the rain provided relief from water shortages, though concerns about flooding persisted. As Alberto approached land, warnings were issued along the Texas coast and northeastern Mexico. After making landfall, the storm weakened and dissipated over Mexico by June 21, 2024. Despite this, authorities remained vigilant about coastal flooding, dangerous ocean currents, and the potential for tornadoes or waterspouts, urging caution for residents and travelers alike. The event underscored the active hurricane season predicted by NOAA, stressing the need for readiness and awareness in vulnerable coastal communities. Tropical Storm Alberto posed immediate challenges for Texas and Mexico, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with tropical storms during this heightened season.
In Tampico, a city in Tamaulipas experiencing a severe drought, the rain provided relief from water shortages, though concerns about flooding persisted. As Alberto approached land, warnings were issued along the Texas coast and northeastern Mexico. After making landfall, the storm weakened and dissipated over Mexico by June 21, 2024. Despite this, authorities remained vigilant about coastal flooding, dangerous ocean currents, and the potential for tornadoes or waterspouts, urging caution for residents and travelers alike. The event underscored the active hurricane season predicted by NOAA, stressing the need for readiness and awareness in vulnerable coastal communities. Tropical Storm Alberto posed immediate challenges for Texas and Mexico, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with tropical storms during this heightened season.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Where did Tropical Storm Alberto form?
- What effects did the storm have on northern Mexico and the coasts of Texas?
- How much rain did some areas in Mexico receive during the storm?
- What measures did local authorities take in response to the heavy rainfall in Tamaulipas, Coahuila, and Nuevo Leon?
- What precautions were urged by authorities even after the storm weakened and dissipated?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever had to prepare for a storm? If so, what steps did you take to ensure your safety? If not, what do you think you would do?
- Have you witnessed a natural disaster in your area? If so, how did it affect your community? If not, what do you think the impact would be?
- Do you agree that authorities should always issue evacuation orders when a storm approaches?
- How might climate change influence the frequency and intensity of storms in the future?
- What are some long-term strategies that can help mitigate the damage caused by storms in vulnerable regions?