Storm with Strong Winds Destroys Businesses in Maringá, Brazil
Listen to the story
A powerful storm hit the city of Maringá, in the Brazilian state of Paraná.
The storm brought winds of more than 90 km/h, which destroyed several businesses in the city.
Officials have not yet confirmed whether the storm included a tornado.
The strong winds and bad weather also caused classes to be suspended in schools across Maringá.
This affected municipal schools, state schools, and the State University of Maringá, known as UEM.
Across Paraná, the storm brought hail and strong gusts of wind, causing damage in several areas.
Authorities have issued an alert warning that heavy rain may continue in the region.
People in the affected areas are being asked to stay careful and watch for more severe weather.
No information has been given yet about injuries or the total cost of the damage caused by the storm.
Vocabulary10 words
- storm
- very bad weather with strong wind and rain
- destroyed
- broke something so badly it cannot be used
- tornado
- a very strong wind that spins in a circle
- suspended
- stopped for a short time
- hail
- small pieces of ice that fall from the sky
- gusts
- sudden, strong bursts of wind
- alert
- an official warning about danger
- municipal
- related to a city or local area
- authorities
- people or groups in charge, like the government
- affected
- changed or harmed by something
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Quiz
Answer key
1. A storm with winds over 90 km/h 2. Municipal, state schools, and UEM university 3. No, this has not been confirmed
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
A powerful storm hit the city of Maringá, in the Brazilian state of _____.
The storm brought winds of more than 90 km/h, which _____ several businesses in the city.
Officials have not yet confirmed whether the storm included a _____.
The strong winds and bad weather also caused classes to be _____ in schools across Maringá.
This affected _____ schools, state schools, and the State University of Maringá, known as UEM.
Across Paraná, the storm brought _____ and strong gusts of wind, causing damage in several areas.
Authorities have issued an _____ warning that heavy rain may continue in the region.
People in the affected areas are being asked to stay careful and watch for more severe _____.
No information has been given yet about injuries or the total _____ of the damage caused by the storm.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever experienced a very strong storm? What happened?
- Why do you think schools close during severe weather like this?
- Why might it take time for officials to confirm whether a tornado happened?
- What should people do to stay safe during a storm with strong winds?
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