Rare Snow and Extreme Weather Sweep Across Southern California and Midwest
Heavy snowfall in california
Script:
Over the weekend, a rare weather event occurred in Southern California, caused by a cold front that was intensified by tropical precipitation. As a result, heavy rain and snow fell on some urban rooftops, with more expected in the coming days.Late-winter extreme weather also affected the Midwest and Plains states on Sunday, and the leading edge of California's weekend storm headed east and continued to draw warm energy, resulting in clashes with cold air. According to federal forecasters, this caused havoc across the affected regions.On Sunday, a squall line marched through Oklahoma, resulting in multiple tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings. The National Weather Service office in Norman, Oklahoma, even described the front as a "remarkable, perhaps historic storm system." Forecasters attributed this to a derecho, which is a line of sustained, high-power winds that can reach up to 110 mph.The extreme weather also affected the Texas Panhandle and southeastern Kansas, where severe thunderstorm and high wind warnings were in effect. Furthermore, the snowfall in much of the nation, including the Pacific Northwest, the Upper Midwest, and the Northeast, made travel difficult overnight, as reported by the weather service.
In California, the combination of a relatively warm atmospheric river and cold air from the Gulf of Alaska resulted in a fresh dusting of snow on Saturday in many high desert communities and Southern California valleys, including Antelope Valley and the San Gabriel Valley, according to the National Weather Service. In addition, videos showed snow falling in Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana, in San Bernardino County.The mountains from the Sierra Nevada to Southern California's Peninsular Ranges also recorded unheard-of amounts of snow. For example, nearly 5 feet of snow was recorded at Donner Summit, while Mount Baldy measured more than 3 feet, and Mount Laguna recorded more than 2 feet, according to the National Weather Service. At Mountain High Resort in Wrightwood, more than 6 feet of snow fell in less than a week, with 5 of those feet falling within a 24-hour period. So much snow fell that the resort had to close to use what available staff they have to dig out and clean up.
"road closures and flooding near rivers"
However, the heavy snow, rain, and wind also caused road closures and flooding near rivers and washes throughout California as the storm moved south and east from Oregon overnight. Heavy snow and ice even forced the closure of Interstate 5's Grapevine, which is the main roadway to San Francisco, before it reopened on Sunday afternoon.The city of Big Bear Lake also warned that all roads to the community, surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest, were closed due to snow, with no estimate available for when they might reopen. Meanwhile, Yosemite National Park would be closed until Wednesday due to severe winter conditions.
Questions:
Part 1: Comprehension
Read and summarize the article thinking of who, what, when, where & why.
Part 2: True or False Questions
a) True or False - It’s unusual to see heavy snowfall in Southern California. T/F
b) True or False - The Midwest and Plains states did not experience extreme weather on Sunday. T/F
c) True or False - In Texas the weather was mostly sunny. T/F
d) True or False - The heavy snowfall meant that some roads were closed in California. T/F
Part 3a: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary/phrases.
a) "Intensified"
b) "Remarkable"
c) "Dusting of snow"
d) "Unheard-of"
Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use: Write an example sentence using the words from 3a.
a) Intensified:
b) Remarkable:
c) Dusting or snow:
d) Unheard-of:
Part 5: Talking Points
Part 6: Role play Scenarios
In this scenario, pretend to be weather forecasters for different regions affected by the extreme weather. You can use the information from the article to create a weather forecast for your region and present it your partner/class.
Pretend to be travelers who are stranded at an airport or train station because of the extreme weather. Discuss your travel plans, the challenges you are facing, and possible solutions.
Pretend to be emergency responders such as police officers, firefighters, or paramedics. Discuss the challenges you face when responding to emergencies during extreme weather events and brainstorm ways to stay safe while helping others.
Part 7: Writing Activity
Past Tense - Describe a time when you experienced a storm or difficult weather conditions. What happened? where were you? Who were you with?
Part 8: Critical Thinking - Climate Change Activists:
You are climate change activists who are concerned about the impact of extreme weather events on the environment. Work in groups and create a presentation focusing on ways to raise awareness about climate change and promote sustainable solutions to mitigate its effects.
Present your work to the class, then agree on the best strategies to combat climate change.
Answers:
Part 1: Comprehension
The main idea of the article is to report on the rare and extreme weather events that occurred in Southern California, the Midwest, and Plains states over the weekend. The article describes the various impacts of the weather events, including heavy snowfall, rain, and wind, road closures, and flooding. The article was written to inform readers about the weather conditions and their effects on travel and daily life in the affected areas.
Part 2: True or False
A: True B: False C: False D: False
Part 3a: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary or phrases.
a) "Intensified" Answer: I think it means to get stronger, more severe, or more concentrated because in the article they talk about how the storm got much worse and more dangerous.
b) "Remarkable" Answer: I think it means something that is worthy of attention, notice, or comment because it is unusual, extraordinary, or outstanding in some way. In the article they talk about how the storm became more severe and it was an historic storm which means it got a lot of attention.
c) "Dusting of snow" Answer: A "dusting of snow" is a colloquial expression used to describe a very light, thin, or minimal covering of snow on the ground or other surfaces. In the article they talk about how some areas that don’t usually get snow got a covering of snow. Other areas seem to have gotten heavier snow.
d) "Unheard-of" Answer: I think this is an idiom that means something is so rare, unusual, or unprecedented that it has never been heard of or experienced before because in the article they talk about there being huge amounts of snow in areas that don’t usually get snow.
Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use: Write an example sentence using the words from 3a. (examples)
a) Intensified: When the storm hit, the wind intensified, making it difficult to walk, and the rain intensified into a heavy downpour.
b) Remarkable: His ability to speak five languages fluently is truly remarkable and impresses everyone he meets.
c) Dusting of snow: We woke up to a beautiful winter morning with a light dusting of snow covering the trees and rooftops.
d) Unheard-of: Her act of kindness was truly unheard-of in our neighborhood.
Part 7: Writing (example)
Last weekend, a rare weather event hit Southern California due to a strong cold front mixed with tropical moisture, leading to heavy rain and unusual snowfall on urban rooftops. Waking up to a snowy scene on Saturday was surprising, as snow is rare in this region.The storm grew more intense as the day went on, with heavy snowfall and strong winds. Despite the beauty, the situation was unfamiliar and concerning. The storm caused a power outage, leading my family and me to huddle together for warmth, playing games and sharing stories until power was restored.Once the storm subsided, it left behind a picturesque winter landscape. The mountains and trees were blanketed in snow, a striking transformation from the previous weather. The experience of enduring this unique storm has left a lasting impression on me.
