Storms and Strong Winds Bring Weather Alert to Milan
Listen to the story
Milan issued a weather alert today because of strong storms and wind.
Gusts of wind reached up to 55 km/h in the area.
Because of the bad weather, the city closed several parks and swimming pools.
This was done to keep people safe from the storms.
The region of Lombardy received an orange alert, which is the second-highest level.
Neighbouring Piedmont was given a yellow alert, meaning lower but still real risk.
Both alerts are part of Italy's official weather warning system.
The system uses colours to show how dangerous the weather is.
Strong wind was especially reported in mountain areas.
In some places, the storms were described as intense.
Intense storms can bring heavy rain and sudden strong wind in a short time.
Authorities asked people to be careful outdoors during the alert.
It is common in Italy for cities to close public parks during storm warnings.
This helps prevent injuries from falling branches or strong gusts.
Local officials continue to watch the weather conditions closely.
Vocabulary10 words
- weather alert
- an official warning about dangerous weather
- gusts
- sudden bursts of strong wind
- orange alert
- a warning level showing high danger
- yellow alert
- a warning level showing moderate danger
- intense
- very strong or extreme
- swimming pools
- places where people swim outdoors or indoors
- authorities
- people or groups in charge of managing something
- mountain areas
- places with high land
- warning system
- a method used to alert people to danger
- Lombardy
- a large region in northern Italy, where Milan is
Quiz
Answer key
1. Because of storms and strong wind 2. Orange 3. In mountain areas
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Milan issued a _____ today because of strong storms and wind.
_____ of wind reached up to 55 km/h in the area.
Because of the bad weather, the city closed several _____ and swimming pools.
The region of Lombardy received an _____ alert, which is the second-highest level.
Neighbouring Piedmont was given a _____ alert, meaning lower but still real risk.
Both alerts are part of Italy's official weather _____ system.
Strong wind was especially reported in _____ areas.
In some places, the storms were described as _____.
Authorities asked people to be careful _____ during the alert.
This helps prevent injuries from falling branches or strong _____.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever experienced a strong storm? What happened?
- Do you think closing parks during storms is a good idea? Why or why not?
- How does your country warn people about dangerous weather?
- Why might mountain areas experience stronger winds than cities?