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Storms to Cover 70% of Central Florida This Afternoon

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Listen to the story

Forecasters expect storms to cover about 70% of Central Florida this afternoon. This high level of coverage means most of the region will experience rain.

The storms are expected to bring heavy downpours, which are sudden bursts of very heavy rain. Small hail is also possible in some areas.

Hail forms when strong winds carry raindrops high into cold clouds, where they freeze into small balls of ice before falling to the ground.

Meanwhile, in South Florida, forecasters warn that storms could become even stronger. These storms may bring gusty winds, hail, and heavy rain.

Gusty winds are sudden bursts of strong wind that can be more dangerous than steady wind. They can damage trees, power lines, and buildings.

Local news channel WESH shared a video forecast explaining the storm pattern for the day. The report focused on both Central and South Florida.

Residents are advised to stay alert to changing weather conditions throughout the afternoon. Storms like these can develop and move quickly.

Officials often recommend that people avoid driving through heavy downpours, as flooded roads and low visibility can be dangerous.

With such a high percentage of storm coverage expected, many communities across the state could be affected by these weather conditions today.

Vocabulary10 words

coverage
how much of an area is affected by something
downpour
sudden heavy rain that falls very fast
hail
small hard balls of ice that fall from storm clouds
gusty winds
sudden bursts of strong, fast wind
forecast
a prediction about future weather
region
a large area of a country
alert
paying close attention to what is happening
visibility
how far or clearly a person can see
residents
people who live in a certain place
pattern
a repeated way something happens

Quiz

1. What percentage of Central Florida is expected to be covered by storms this afternoon?
2. How does hail form, according to the article?
3. True or false: South Florida could also experience stronger storms with gusty winds.

Fill-in-the-blank listening

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

Forecasters expect storms to cover about 70% of Central Florida this _____. This high level of coverage means most of the region will experience rain.

The storms are expected to bring heavy _____, which are sudden bursts of very heavy rain. Small _____ is also possible in some areas.

Hail forms when strong _____ carry raindrops high into cold clouds, where they freeze into small balls of ice before falling to the ground.

Meanwhile, in South Florida, forecasters warn that storms could become even _____. These storms may bring gusty winds, hail, and heavy rain.

Gusty winds are sudden bursts of strong wind that can be more _____ than steady wind. They can damage trees, power lines, and buildings.

Local news channel WESH shared a video _____ explaining the storm pattern for the day. The report focused on both Central and South Florida.

_____ are advised to stay alert to changing weather conditions throughout the afternoon. Storms like these can develop and move quickly.

Officials often recommend that people avoid driving through heavy downpours, as flooded roads and low _____ can be dangerous.

Discussion questions

  1. Have you ever experienced a sudden downpour or hailstorm? What was it like?
  2. Why do you think weather forecasters give storm coverage as a percentage?
  3. What precautions do people usually take when strong storms are expected?
  4. How does severe weather typically affect daily life in your area?

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