Severe Floods Hit NSW as Victoria Prepares for Storms

Rescue of stranded cows during NSW floods – Image created by ChatGPT with DALL·E by OpenAI.

VOCABULARY LIST

1. Brace (verb) /breɪs/: To get ready for something difficult or unpleasant.
   Victoria was told to brace for the incoming storm.

2. Deluge (noun) /ˈdɛl.judʒ/: A large and sudden amount of rain.
   A 150mm deluge hit the coast in just six hours.

3. Inundate (verb) /ˈɪn.ən.deɪt/: To flood or cover with water.
   Floodwater inundated the Saltwater National Park.

4. Stranded (adjective) /ˈstræn.dɪd/: Left in a place without a way to leave.
   Cows were stranded on the beach after the flood.

5. Rescue crews (noun) /ˈrɛs.kju ˌkruz/: Teams that save people in danger.
   Rescue crews helped people trapped by rising waters.

6. Trough (noun) /trɒf/: A low-pressure weather system that can bring heavy rain.
   A coastal trough caused dangerous rainfall across NSW.

7. Flash flooding (noun) /flæʃ ˈflʌd.ɪŋ/: Sudden flooding from heavy rain.
   Flash flooding threatened many communities.

8. Evacuation (noun) /əˌvæk.juˈeɪ.ʃən/: Moving people from a dangerous place.
   There were 11 active evacuation warnings in NSW.

9. SES (noun) /ˌɛs.iˈɛs/: State Emergency Service, an Aussie group that helps during floods and storms.
   The SES responded to over 800 incidents in one day.

10. Life-threatening (adjective) /ˈlaɪfˌθrɛt.ən.ɪŋ/: Very dangerous and could cause death.
    The weather warning called the conditions “life-threatening”.

ARTICLE

Heavy rain has caused flash flooding across the NSW Mid-North Coast, with thousands of people stranded in their homes. Some areas saw a deluge of over 280mm of rain in just one day, and rivers have overflowed, damaging roads and houses.

In Saltwater National Park, floodwaters inundated the coastline, and several cows were washed down a creek onto the beach. Locals quickly helped rescue the animals and moved them into a safe paddock. “They were scared and exhausted,” one person said.

At Glenthorne, 52 people are currently trapped by rising water. Rescue crews, including members of the SES (State Emergency Service), are working to reach them. So far, over 280 rescues have happened in 24 hours. Many of these were due to people driving into floodwaters, which the SES warns is very dangerous. In one case, 24 people had to be rescued from the Pacific Highway.

The SES expects around 16,000 people — or about 7400 homes — will be isolated for at least one day. At Taree, the Manning River broke its old record from 1929, reaching over six metres. The SES said resources were being stretched, and warned that life-threatening conditions may continue over the next few days.

The Bureau of Meteorology says a coastal trough near Coffs Harbour is moving slowly and bringing more heavy rain. On Wednesday and Thursday, some areas may receive 200 to 300mm in 24 hours. Strong winds and hazardous surf are also predicted along the coast.

Evacuation warnings are in place across many areas, and people are urged to move to higher ground. Major roads such as the Pacific and Oxley Highways are closed. Some train lines have also stopped due to flooding, with evacuation becoming difficult in certain locations.

By Friday, the storm system is expected to move south into Victoria and Tasmania. Authorities are warning Victoria to brace for days of rain and possible flooding. Cold mornings and frost warnings are also in place across parts of both states.

In the rest of the country, the weather varies: Sydney will see more rain, while Brisbane will be mostly sunny. Perth is warm but under a fire danger warning. No matter where you are, staying alert and prepared is the best way to stay safe during extreme weather.

SOURCE:

This article is based on: news.com.au article

Reflection Questions

Instructions:
Use these questions as:
– Speaking practice (e.g. talk to yourself, record and listen back)
– Writing practice (e.g. short paragraph answers)
– Class discussion with your teacher or classmates

1. Have you ever experienced flooding or very heavy rain? What happened?

2. Do you think people should be fined for driving into floodwaters? Why or why not?

3. What would you take with you if you had to evacuate your home?

4. What’s the worst weather you’ve experienced in your country?

5. How do you stay safe during extreme weather where you live?

Comprehension activity - multiple choice

1. Why were cows found on a beach in NSW?

A) They escaped from a farm during a storm
B) They were part of a rescue drill
C) Floodwaters carried them down a creek
D) They were grazing near the beach

2. What is the SES mainly doing during this flood?

A) Giving weather forecasts
B) Rescuing trapped people and animals
C) Blocking roads and highways
D) Providing shelter to tourists

3. What is the warning for Victoria and Tasmania?

A) Prepare for snow and cold weather
B) Get ready for hot temperatures
C) Expect strong winds and sunny skies
D) Be ready for heavy rain and flooding

Submit Answers

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