Snowstorms and floods - Reading, understanding and answering questions for Gr 1-2
Read the following information by yourself. Try and read it more than once. Make sure you understand what you read and then try and answer the questions:
There are many types of storms. A storm is something that happens when the wind blows a lot or there is a lot of rain or snow. Some storms can happen at any time and not only when it is cold. People and animals must be kept save from a storm, or they may get hurt.
Windstorms have very strong winds, but no rain.
A "Winter Storm Watch" will warn people that there will be a chance of heavy snow or ice. If the snow piles up slowly there is still time to get to a safe place if you need to, but in a heavy snowstorm or avalanche, the snow will pile up quickly and there may not be time to get to a safe place.
This can cause a disaster and animals and humans can get hurt or even die.
The wind can also blow during a snowstorm and blow the snow into piles called 'snowdrifts'.
These snowdrifts can block doors and cover drive ways and make it difficult to get out of or into your house.
It is best to stay inside during a snowstorm.
- Do you have snowstorms in your country or the area you live?
- When does the wind blow without any rain?
- During a "Winter Storm Watch" there may be heavy _____ or ______.
- When will you be able to move to a safe place when snow is falling?
- What is a snowdrift?
For enrichment - For more information on how to stay save during a snow storm, read the information on http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-safety-winter-storm.htm
When it rains a lot for a long time, the rivers, streams and dams will fill up. If it keeps on raining, there will be more water that can go into the ground.
The banks of the rivers will overflow and water will start gathering in the streets from all the rain. This can cause a flood.
Floods can get so bad that cars, houses, animal and people can be washed away by the water.
A little pool of water is called a puddle, but a whole new stream or lake is called a flood. A flood can be a few inches deep or so deep that it covers a whole house. It will all depend on how much it rains.
When there is a big storm, it is a good idea to stay home. Find a flashlight to keep with you if the electricity goes out and you will also have to store clean water to drink since the flood will make all the water dirty and unsafe to drink.
- What is the difference between a puddle and a flood?
- Have you ever been in or seen a flood?
- Why will a flood occur?
- How deep are floods?
- Why must you keep a flashlight with you during a storm?
- Why can you not drink the water from the flood?
- What will you drink?
For enrichment - Read more about flood safety on http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-safety-flood.htm
