Typhoon Soudelor Forms, Could Affect Japan
Listen to the story
A new tropical storm, named Soudelor, has formed in the Pacific Ocean. It is Japan's 18th typhoon of the year, so it is called Typhoon No. 18.
Weather forecasters say the storm may move toward areas south of Japan around August 24. By that date, it could become a strong typhoon with a storm zone, an area of very powerful wind around its center.
The typhoon's expected path takes it near the Ogasawara Islands, a group of small islands far south of Tokyo. Forecasters warn that the exact track, or path, of the storm could still change.
There is also concern about possible effects on Okinawa, an island region in southern Japan. The timing is difficult because many people there are currently celebrating 'Kyu-Bon,' a traditional holiday similar to the more widely known Bon Festival, but held later according to the old lunar calendar.
During Kyu-Bon, families gather and honor relatives who have died. If the typhoon brings strong wind or heavy rain, it could disrupt travel and family gatherings during this important holiday.
Weather experts are continuing to monitor the storm's trajectory and strength. Because typhoon paths can shift quickly, residents in southern Japan and Okinawa are being advised to follow official weather updates closely.
No specific warnings or evacuation orders have been announced yet, as the storm's development is still uncertain. Forecasters say more details about its strength and direction will be released in the coming days.
Vocabulary7 words
- tropical storm
- a big storm that forms over warm ocean water
- storm zone
- the area around a storm center with very strong wind
- Ogasawara Islands
- small islands south of Tokyo, Japan
- track
- the path a storm follows
- Okinawa
- a group of islands in southern Japan
- Kyu-Bon
- a holiday in Okinawa to remember dead family members
- trajectory
- the direction and path something is moving in
Quiz
Answer key
1. Soudelor 2. August 24 3. Because it coincides with the Kyu-Bon holiday
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
A new tropical storm, named Soudelor, has formed in the Pacific Ocean. It is Japan's _____ typhoon of the year.
Weather forecasters say the storm may move toward areas south of Japan around _____.
By that date, it could become a strong typhoon with a _____, an area of very powerful wind around its center.
The typhoon's expected path takes it near the _____ Islands, a group of small islands far south of Tokyo.
Forecasters warn that the exact _____ of the storm could still change.
There is also concern about possible effects on _____, an island region in southern Japan.
Many people there are currently celebrating '_____,' a traditional holiday held later according to the old lunar calendar.
During Kyu-Bon, families gather and honor relatives who have _____.
Weather experts are continuing to monitor the storm's _____ and strength.
No specific warnings or evacuation orders have been announced yet, as the storm's development is still _____.