Storms Hit Four Brazilian States, Bring Danger of Strong Winds
Listen to the story
Strong storms are hitting four Brazilian states this Thursday: Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, and Rio Grande do Sul.
The State Civil Defense Monitoring Center is updating the weather conditions for Rio Grande do Sul over the next few days.
The state has received an orange alert for storms. This is a serious warning about dangerous weather.
The alert warns of wind gusts reaching up to 90 km/h, which can damage buildings and trees.
There is also a risk of hail during the storms. Hail can fall in some regions and cause damage.
Officials have not confirmed which exact areas will be most affected, but people are advised to check local updates.
Authorities recommend that people stay alert and follow safety instructions during this period.
Storms like these are common during certain seasons in southern and southeastern Brazil.
Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and secure loose objects outside their homes.
The forecast may change, so people should keep checking official weather updates for their region.
Vocabulary10 words
- storm
- very bad weather with strong wind and rain
- State Civil Defense Monitoring Center
- a government group that watches for danger and warns people
- condition
- how something is at a certain time
- orange alert
- a strong warning that danger may come soon
- wind gust
- a sudden, strong wind
- hail
- small pieces of ice that fall like rain
- forecast
- information about future weather
- authorities
- people or groups with official power
- residents
- people who live in a place
- region
- a part of a country
Quiz
Answer key
1. The State Civil Defense Monitoring Center 2. 90 km/h 3. False
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Strong _____ are hitting four Brazilian states this Thursday.
The _____ Monitoring Center is updating the weather conditions for Rio Grande do Sul.
The state has received an _____ alert for storms.
The alert warns of wind _____ reaching up to 90 km/h.
There is also a risk of _____ during the storms.
Officials have not confirmed which exact _____ will be most affected.
Authorities recommend that people stay _____ and follow safety instructions.
Storms like these are common during certain _____ in southern and southeastern Brazil.
Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary _____.
The forecast may change, so people should keep checking official weather _____.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think authorities issue alerts like the orange alert before storms?
- How can strong winds and hail affect daily life in a city?
- What steps can people take to stay safe during a storm?
- Do you think weather forecasts are usually accurate? Why or why not?