ESL Podcast 887 - A Destructive Storm

blizzard - a very strong storm with cold and fast wind and a lot of snow, and limits one's ability to see

During the blizzard, there was so much snow that we couldn't even see the front door from our driveway.

to catch (someone) off guard - for something to happen when a person is not expecting it and is completely unprepared for it

When Melina announced that she was pregnant, it caught Doug off guard.

to fell - to make a tree fall down, especially by cutting it

In the past, a man might spend a whole day felling a tree, but now modern equipment makes the job much easier.

to topple - to knock something over; to knock something down; to make something lose its balance and fall

As Lyla walked by the table, she bumped it with her hip and accidentally toppled the stacks of books that had been on it.

utility line - power line; a long cable (wire) that carries electricity, Internet and/or telephone signals, usually hung high above the ground between poles

If you see a utility line on the ground, stay away from it and call the power company right away.

resident - someone who lives in a particular area or in a particular building

This apartment complex has more than 200 residents.

to restore - to bring something back to its previous state or condition, especially after is has been damaged

Do you think anyone will be able to restore these photographs? They were damaged in the fire.

unseasonably - describing weather that is unusual during the current time of year, for example, too hot in the wintertime, or too dry during the rainy season

The weather has been unseasonably wet this year, but it has been very good for farmers.

ferocious - very strong, angry, and dangerous, with a lot of energy and possibly causing damage

How do circus performers learn to work with ferocious animals like lions?

to wash away - for a large amount of water to pick something up and carry it to another place, especially during a flood

A lot of the best soil was washed away during the heavy rainstorms, so the famers will have to use a lot of artificial fertilizers before they plant the next crop.

steady - consistent or constant, without a break or pause, happening continuously over time without changing

We've seen steady improvement in our sales figures over the past eight months.

downed - fallen; describing something that has been knocked over and is now lying down, especially a tree

These downed trees may seem worthless, but they provide valuable food for insects and many small animals in the forest.

to wreck - to destroy; to ruin

How did your son wreck his car?

to recover - to return to the original condition after something has been damaged or injured

It might be months before Kaitlin fully recovers from the medical treatments.

The Storm of the Century - a very powerful, dangerous storm thought to be the biggest and worst storm in a 100-year period

That was a big storm, but I doubt it was big or dangerous enough to be called the Storm of the Century.

more than enough - too much; more than one wants or needs

The food was delicious, but I've had more than enough and can't eat anymore.