A recent winter storm has brought heavy snowfall to several northern states in the US, creating dangerous conditions for residents. This is the first major snowfall of the season, and it has resulted in thundersnow and whiteouts in some areas. Thundersnow is a rare phenomenon where thunder and lightning occur during a snowstorm, adding an extra element of surprise and intensity to the weather event.

The heavy snow has caused visibility issues, with whiteouts occurring in certain locations. A whiteout is when the falling snow reduces visibility to almost zero, making it extremely difficult to see and navigate. These conditions can be particularly hazardous for drivers and pedestrians, as it becomes challenging to distinguish the road from the surrounding landscape.

The video footage captures the most dramatic scenes from this winter storm, showcasing the heavy snowfall and the resulting dangerous conditions. It serves as a reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature, especially during the winter months. The snow-covered landscapes and the sound of thunder during a snowstorm create a unique and awe-inspiring spectacle.

Winter weather can bring both beauty and danger, and it is important for residents in affected areas to take precautions and stay safe. This includes staying indoors if possible, avoiding unnecessary travel, and dressing warmly when venturing outside. It is also crucial to be aware of the potential hazards associated with thundersnow and whiteouts, such as reduced visibility and slippery road conditions.

As the winter season progresses, it is essential for everyone to stay informed about weather updates and follow the advice of local authorities. By being prepared and taking necessary precautions, individuals can navigate the challenges of winter weather and ensure their safety during these snowy and icy conditions.

Original news source: Thundersnow and whiteouts as winter weather hits US (BBC)

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Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Have students read the article and then summarize the main points in their own words. They can then share their summaries with a partner or small group and compare their responses.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups and have them discuss their opinions on winter weather. They can then create a poll with questions such as “Do you enjoy winter weather?” or “What precautions do you take during snowy conditions?” Each group can then present their poll results to the class.

– Keyword Hangman
Instructions: Choose key vocabulary words from the article and write dashes on the board to represent each letter. Have students take turns guessing letters to try and uncover the word. For each incorrect guess, draw a body part of a hangman. The goal is for the students to guess the word before the hangman is fully drawn.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Have students discuss the pros and cons of winter weather. They can then create a list of advantages and disadvantages and share their responses with the class. Encourage students to give reasons and examples to support their opinions.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Have students imagine they are meteorologists and ask them to make predictions about winter weather in the future. They can discuss factors such as climate change and technology advancements that may impact winter weather patterns. Students can then present their predictions to the class and discuss their reasoning.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What is thundersnow and how does it differ from a regular snowstorm?
2. How does a whiteout affect visibility for drivers and pedestrians?
3. What are some precautions that residents in affected areas should take during a winter storm?
4. Why is it important to stay informed about weather updates during the winter season?
5. How does the video footage capture the power and unpredictability of nature during a winter storm?
6. Why is it challenging to distinguish the road from the surrounding landscape during a whiteout?
7. What are some potential hazards associated with thundersnow and whiteouts?
8. What are some unique features of winter weather that make it both beautiful and dangerous?
Go to answers ⇩

Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

A recent winter storm has brought heavy snowfall to several northern states in the US, creating dangerous conditions for residents. This is the first major snowfall of the season, and it has resulted in thundersnow and whiteouts in some areas. Thundersnow is a rare (1)______ where thunder and (2)______ occur during a (3)______, adding an (4)______ element of surprise and intensity to the weather event.

The heavy snow has caused visibility issues, with whiteouts occurring in certain locations. A whiteout is when the (5)______ snow reduces visibility to almost zero, making it extremely difficult to see and navigate. These conditions can be particularly hazardous for drivers and (6)______, as it becomes challenging to distinguish the road from the (7)______ landscape.

The video footage captures the most (8)______ scenes from this winter storm, showcasing the heavy snowfall and the resulting dangerous conditions. It serves as a reminder of the power and (9)______ of nature, especially during the winter months. The snow-covered landscapes and the sound of thunder during a snowstorm create a unique and awe-inspiring spectacle.

Winter weather can bring both beauty and (10)______, and it is important for residents in affected (11)______ to take precautions and stay safe. This includes staying indoors if possible, avoiding (12)______ travel, and dressing warmly when venturing outside. It is also (13)______ to be aware of the potential hazards (14)______ with thundersnow and (15)______, such as reduced visibility and slippery road conditions.

As the winter season progresses, it is essential for everyone to stay informed about (16)______ updates and follow the advice of local authorities. By being prepared and taking necessary precautions, individuals can navigate the challenges of winter weather and ensure their safety during these snowy and icy conditions.
Go to answers ⇩

Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is thundersnow and have you ever experienced it?
2. How would you feel if you were caught in a whiteout while driving?
3. Do you like winter weather? Why or why not?
4. Do you think it’s important for people to take precautions during winter storms? Why or why not?
5. What are some potential hazards of thundersnow and whiteouts?
6. Have you ever been in a situation where you had to navigate through heavy snowfall? How did you handle it?
7. How do you stay informed about weather updates in your area?
8. What precautions do you take to stay safe during winter weather?
9. Have you ever witnessed a winter storm that resulted in thundersnow or whiteouts? Describe your experience.
10. How do you feel about the power and unpredictability of nature during the winter months?
11. What steps can individuals take to ensure their safety during snowy and icy conditions?
12. Have you ever been in a situation where you had to dress warmly to protect yourself from the cold? Describe it.
13. How do you think winter weather affects the daily lives of people in affected areas?
14. Do you think winter storms are becoming more severe in recent years? Why or why not?
15. What advice would you give to someone who has never experienced winter weather before?

Individual Activities

Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. snowfall
2. thundersnow
3. whiteouts
4. visibility
5. hazardous
6. landscapes
7. precautions
8. conditions

Meanings:
(a) Heavy precipitation in the form of snow
(b) Measures taken to prevent harm or accidents
(c) Potentially dangerous or risky
(d) When falling snow reduces visibility to almost zero
(e) The ability to see and navigate in an environment
(f) The natural features of an area, especially in terms of their appearance
(g) The state or circumstances affecting a person or thing
(h) A rare phenomenon where thunder and lightning occur during a snowstorm
Go to answers ⇩

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is thundersnow?
(a) A type of winter storm that brings heavy snowfall
(b) A rare phenomenon where thunder and lightning occur during a snowstorm
(c) A term used to describe the sound of snow falling
(d) A type of snow that falls in thunderstorm-like conditions

2. What is a whiteout?
(a) A type of winter storm that brings heavy snowfall
(b) A term used to describe the sound of snow falling
(c) When falling snow reduces visibility to almost zero
(d) A type of snow that falls in thunderstorm-like conditions

3. What can whiteouts be particularly hazardous for?
(a) Drivers and pedestrians
(b) Animals in the area
(c) Buildings and infrastructure
(d) Ski resorts and winter sports enthusiasts

4. What does the video footage capture?
(a) The beauty of winter landscapes
(b) The sound of thunder during a snowstorm
(c) The power and unpredictability of nature
(d) The heavy snowfall and resulting dangerous conditions

5. What precautions should residents in affected areas take during winter storms?
(a) Venture outside to enjoy the snowfall
(b) Drive carefully and avoid using public transportation
(c) Stay indoors if possible, avoid unnecessary travel, and dress warmly
(d) Ignore weather updates and local authorities’ advice

6. What is important for everyone to do as the winter season progresses?
(a) Stay informed about weather updates and follow the advice of local authorities
(b) Ignore weather updates and local authorities’ advice
(c) Venture outside to enjoy the snowfall
(d) Drive carefully and avoid using public transportation

7. What does the article emphasize about winter weather?
(a) It is always predictable and easy to navigate
(b) It can bring both beauty and danger
(c) It only affects certain areas of the world
(d) It is not as powerful as other seasons’ weather

8. What can individuals do to ensure their safety during snowy and icy conditions?
(a) Ignore weather updates and local authorities’ advice
(b) Drive faster to avoid slippery road conditions
(c) Venture outside without dressing warmly
(d) Be prepared and take necessary precautions

Go to answers ⇩

True or False Questions:

1. The video footage captures the heavy snowfall and dangerous conditions caused by the storm.
2. It is important for residents in affected areas to take precautions and stay safe during winter storms.
3. Winter weather cannot bring both beauty and danger.
4. This is not the first major snowfall of the season.
5. Thundersnow is a common phenomenon where thunder and lightning occur during a snowstorm.
6. A recent winter storm has brought heavy snowfall to several northern states in the US.
7. Thundersnow and whiteouts have not occurred in any areas during this winter storm.
8. Whiteouts reduce visibility to almost zero, making it difficult to see and navigate.
Go to answers ⇩

Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What is thundersnow and how does it make winter storms more intense?
2. How do whiteouts affect visibility and why are they dangerous for drivers and pedestrians?
3. What precautions should residents in affected areas take during a winter storm?
4. Why is it important to stay informed about weather updates and follow the advice of local authorities during the winter season?
5. How can individuals ensure their safety during snowy and icy conditions?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What is thundersnow and how does it differ from a regular snowstorm?
Thundersnow is a rare phenomenon where thunder and lightning occur during a snowstorm. It differs from a regular snowstorm because it adds an extra element of surprise and intensity to the weather event.

2. How does a whiteout affect visibility for drivers and pedestrians?
A whiteout reduces visibility to almost zero, making it extremely difficult to see and navigate. This can be particularly hazardous for drivers and pedestrians as it becomes challenging to distinguish the road from the surrounding landscape.

3. What are some precautions that residents in affected areas should take during a winter storm?
Residents in affected areas should stay indoors if possible, avoid unnecessary travel, and dress warmly when venturing outside. It is also important to be aware of the potential hazards associated with thundersnow and whiteouts, such as reduced visibility and slippery road conditions.

4. Why is it important to stay informed about weather updates during the winter season?
It is important to stay informed about weather updates during the winter season because winter weather can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous. By staying informed, individuals can be prepared and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during snowy and icy conditions.

5. How does the video footage capture the power and unpredictability of nature during a winter storm?
The video footage captures the heavy snowfall and dangerous conditions caused by the winter storm. It showcases the snow-covered landscapes and the sound of thunder during a snowstorm, creating a unique and awe-inspiring spectacle that highlights the power and unpredictability of nature.

6. Why is it challenging to distinguish the road from the surrounding landscape during a whiteout?
During a whiteout, the falling snow reduces visibility to almost zero, making it difficult to see and distinguish the road from the surrounding landscape. The lack of contrast and visibility can lead to confusion and increase the risk of accidents.

7. What are some potential hazards associated with thundersnow and whiteouts?
Some potential hazards associated with thundersnow and whiteouts include reduced visibility, slippery road conditions, and the increased risk of accidents for drivers and pedestrians. Thundersnow can also create additional hazards due to the presence of lightning and thunder during a snowstorm.

8. What are some unique features of winter weather that make it both beautiful and dangerous?
Some unique features of winter weather that make it both beautiful and dangerous include heavy snowfall, which can create picturesque landscapes, and the potential for thundersnow, which adds an extra element of surprise and intensity. However, winter weather can also be dangerous due to reduced visibility, slippery road conditions, and the risk of accidents and injuries.
Go back to questions ⇧

Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) phenomenon
(2) lightning
(3) snowstorm
(4) extra
(5) falling
(6) pedestrians
(7) surrounding
(8) dramatic
(9) unpredictability
(10) danger
(11) areas
(12) unnecessary
(13) crucial
(14) associated
(15) whiteouts
(16) weather
Go back to questions ⇧

Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. snowfall
Answer: (a) Heavy precipitation in the form of snow

2. thundersnow
Answer: (h) A rare phenomenon where thunder and lightning occur during a snowstorm

3. whiteouts
Answer: (d) When falling snow reduces visibility to almost zero

4. visibility
Answer: (e) The ability to see and navigate in an environment

5. hazardous
Answer: (c) Potentially dangerous or risky

6. landscapes
Answer: (f) The natural features of an area, especially in terms of their appearance

7. precautions
Answer: (b) Measures taken to prevent harm or accidents

8. conditions
Answer: (g) The state or circumstances affecting a person or thing
Go back to questions ⇧

Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is thundersnow?
Answer: (b) A rare phenomenon where thunder and lightning occur during a snowstorm

2. What is a whiteout?
Answer: (c) When falling snow reduces visibility to almost zero

3. What can whiteouts be particularly hazardous for?
Answer: (a) Drivers and pedestrians

4. What does the video footage capture?
Answer: (d) The heavy snowfall and resulting dangerous conditions

5. What precautions should residents in affected areas take during winter storms?
Answer: (c) Stay indoors if possible, avoid unnecessary travel, and dress warmly

6. What is important for everyone to do as the winter season progresses?
Answer: (a) Stay informed about weather updates and follow the advice of local authorities

7. What does the article emphasize about winter weather?
Answer: (b) It can bring both beauty and danger

8. What can individuals do to ensure their safety during snowy and icy conditions?
Answer: (d) Be prepared and take necessary precautions
Go back to questions ⇧

True or False Answers:

1. The video footage captures the heavy snowfall and dangerous conditions caused by the storm. (Answer: True)
2. It is important for residents in affected areas to take precautions and stay safe during winter storms. (Answer: True)
3. Winter weather cannot bring both beauty and danger. (Answer: False)
4. This is not the first major snowfall of the season. (Answer: False)
5. Thundersnow is a common phenomenon where thunder and lightning occur during a snowstorm. (Answer: False)
6. A recent winter storm has brought heavy snowfall to several northern states in the US. (Answer: True)
7. Thundersnow and whiteouts have not occurred in any areas during this winter storm. (Answer: False)
8. Whiteouts reduce visibility to almost zero, making it difficult to see and navigate. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧