Severe Storm Hits Northeastern US
A powerful storm has struck the northeastern United States, bringing dangerous winds and flooding to New York and New Jersey. Tragically, a man named Leighton Brown died in Brooklyn after a tree fell on him. The storm has caused mass power cuts for over 160,000 households and grounded thousands of flights. Officials have declared emergencies and advised people to stay indoors. Many major concerts and sporting events were cancelled as cities struggle to manage the severe weather conditions.
A severe storm known as a nor'easter has caused significant damage across the northeastern United States this weekend. Millions of people have faced dangerous conditions, including heavy rain, strong winds, and coastal flooding. Leaders have declared states of emergency in New York and New Jersey to handle the crisis.
Tragically, the storm killed one person. A falling tree struck Leighton Brown, a fifty-six-year-old man, in Brooklyn. He was working an extra shift for his employer when the incident happened. The Office of the NYC Public Advocate expressed deep sadness, stating, "We mourn deeply for the loss of Leighton Brown," who served the community well.
The weather has caused widespread disruption across the region. According to tracking data, the storm cut electricity to more than 160,000 homes. Air travel has also suffered, as the weather delayed over 2,400 flights and grounded nearly 1,200 others. Coastal areas in New Jersey, such as Surf City, have experienced serious flooding, which local officials warn could get worse because of the full moon.
Officials have urged citizens to stay safe. NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani warned people in a video message, "Don't travel if you don't have to," and advised everyone to avoid walking or driving through floodwater.
Organizers cancelled many public events for safety reasons. For example, the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park will not take place. Additionally, the venue for Ed Sheeran’s concert in the Boston area called off his performance. Sports fans also faced disappointment, as the organizers cancelled a major soccer game between Red Bull and St Louis City. As the region recovers, weather experts continue to watch the situation closely.
Take a position. Out loud, if you can.
Four ways to start. Pick one and try saying it before you scroll on.
Tip · Record yourself, use in a notebook, or practice with a language partner.
What did NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani ask residents to do?
Present Perfect
We use the present perfect (have + past participle) to talk about recent events that have an effect on the present.
“Millions of people have faced dangerous conditions, including heavy rain, strong winds, and coastal flooding.”
What to know · B1
Try saying this aloud
Scenario: Talking about bad weather
- 01“The weather is terrible today.”
- 02“Make sure you stay indoors.”
- 03“Be careful on the roads.”
Register tip · informal
🔑Key Phrases
This phrase is commonly used in news when governments need special powers to handle a disaster.
The government declared states of emergency after the earthquake.
This describes how the storm affected many things across a wide region.
The strike caused widespread disruption to the train services.
A common phrasal verb used for events or plans.
We called off the picnic because it started to rain.
Article Audio — Kokoro TTS
Severe Storm Hits Northeastern US
💬Discussion Questions
Open-ended questions to talk or write about — alone, with a partner, or in class.
- 1
How do you think social media helps people stay safe during natural disasters?
Opinion
News sourced from: BBC Science →. LectoPress rewrites the facts as original graded-reader text for language learners.
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