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Possible Tornado Spotted in Arizona During Rare Storms

a storm rolls in over a desert landscape
Photo by Polina Kuzovkova on Unsplash
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A possible tornado was spotted near Dewey-Humboldt, Arizona, during a round of severe weather. Afterward, the tornado watch that had covered the area expired. A tornado watch is issued when conditions are right for tornadoes to form.

At the same time, the city of Flagstaff experienced hail and heavy storms. A tornado warning was also issued for that area, which means a tornado had been spotted or indicated by radar.

Weather like this is unusual for Arizona, which does not normally see strong tornado activity. Forecasters described the storms as rare severe weather for the region.

Following the storms, a renewed flash flood threat has developed, now targeting the Four Corners region, where Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico meet. Flash floods can develop quickly after heavy rain, especially in areas with dry or rocky ground.

Local officials have urged residents in both Flagstaff and the Four Corners area to monitor weather updates closely. They have reminded people that conditions can change fast during severe storms, and that flooding can pose a serious danger even after the storm itself has passed.

Authorities have not released further details about damage or injuries from the storms so far. Residents have been advised to stay alert for any new weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service.

Vocabulary10 words

tornado
a very strong, spinning wind storm
tornado watch
an alert that a tornado could form soon
hail
small balls of ice falling from storms
tornado warning
an alert that a tornado is happening now
rare severe weather
dangerous weather that does not happen often
flash flood
sudden, fast flooding from heavy rain
Four Corners
the area where four US states meet
forecasters
people who predict the weather
residents
people who live in a place
alert
a warning about possible danger

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Quiz

1. What happened after the tornado was spotted near Dewey-Humboldt?
2. What weather hit Flagstaff during the storms?
3. Where is the renewed flash flood threat now focused?

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Fill-in-the-blank listening

Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.

A possible _____ was spotted near Dewey-Humboldt, Arizona.

Afterward, the tornado watch that had covered the area _____.

At the same time, the city of Flagstaff experienced _____ and heavy storms.

A tornado _____ was also issued for that area.

Weather like this is unusual for Arizona, which does not normally see strong tornado _____.

Forecasters described the storms as rare severe weather for the _____.

A renewed flash flood threat has developed, now targeting the Four _____ region.

Flash floods can develop quickly after heavy rain, especially in areas with dry or rocky _____.

Local officials have urged residents to monitor weather _____ closely.

Residents have been advised to stay alert for any new weather _____.

Discussion questions

  1. Why do you think tornadoes are rare in Arizona compared to other parts of the US?
  2. What should people do when a tornado warning is issued for their area?
  3. Why can flash floods be dangerous even after a storm has ended?
  4. How do weather alerts like watches and warnings help keep people safe?

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