Weather & Natural Disasters

a violent storm with strong winds that spin in a circle

The cyclone destroyed hundreds of homes along the coast.

a sudden and very heavy fall of rain

We got soaked in the downpour on our way home.

a sudden shaking of the ground caused by movement inside the earth

The earthquake caused several buildings to collapse.

a statement saying what is likely to happen with the weather in the near future

The forecast predicts heavy rain for the weekend.

the amount of moisture in the air

The humidity made the afternoon feel unbearably hot.

a season of heavy rain in South Asia, or the wind that brings it

Farmers rely on the monsoon to water their crops.

rain, snow, or hail that falls from the sky

The region receives very little precipitation all year.

a violently spinning column of air that moves across land and destroys things in its path

The tornado tore the roof off the barn.

a huge wave, usually caused by an earthquake under the sea, that can flood coastal areas

The tsunami swept away entire villages along the shore.

a storm with extremely strong winds that forms over warm ocean water

Thousands of residents fled before the hurricane made landfall.

a severe snowstorm with strong winds and very low visibility

The blizzard forced schools to close for three days.

a storm with thunder, lightning, and usually heavy rain

A sudden thunderstorm interrupted the outdoor wedding.

a flash of bright light in the sky during a storm, caused by electricity

Lightning struck the old oak tree in the garden.

a period of unusually hot weather that lasts for several days

The heatwave pushed temperatures above forty degrees.

a large mass of earth and rocks that suddenly falls down a slope or hillside

Heavy rain triggered a landslide that blocked the mountain road.

a smaller earthquake that happens after the main earthquake in the same area

Residents felt several aftershocks throughout the night.

a large fire that spreads quickly and out of control through dry land, grass, or forest

The wildfire spread quickly through the dry forest.

a large mass of snow and ice that suddenly slides down a mountain

The climbers were caught in a sudden avalanche.

a sudden strong rush of wind

A gust of wind knocked over the market stalls.

to move people away from a dangerous place to somewhere safer

Officials ordered residents to evacuate before the storm hit.

to cover an area of land with a large amount of water

Heavy rain flooded the low-lying streets overnight.

to destroy or damage something very badly

The cyclone devastated coastal communities across the region.

to become less strong or gradually go down

The floodwaters slowly began to subside after three days.

a sudden, violent gust of wind or short storm, often with rain

The fishing boats returned early because of an approaching squall.

relating to earthquakes or ground vibrations

The area experiences frequent seismic activity.

(of rain) falling very heavily and fast

Torrential rain caused the river to burst its banks.

covered with cloud, so that the sky looks grey and dull

The sky was overcast all afternoon before the storm broke.

(of weather, wind, or water) moving violently and unpredictably

The plane shook as it flew through turbulent weather.