#205, Weather

Mother Nature waits for no person. Our lives follow the familiar rhythm and flow of the seasons and seemingly predictable weather changes. Sometimes it all goes wrong though. The best laid plans could all be wiped away in a moment should the skies suddenly, unpredictably turn gray and unleash a storm of torrential rain and howling winds. Prom, a once-in-a-lifetime high school dance, can fall victim to Mother Nature’s whims just like that.

Tornado Prom

https://www.thisamericanlife.org/186/prom/act-one-11

Susan Burton reports on Prom Night 2001 in Hoisington, Kansas, a town of about 3,000. While the seniors danced, a tornado hit the town, destroying about a third of it. When they emerged from the dance, they discovered what had happened, and in the weeks that followed, they tried to explain to themselves why the tornado hit where it did. (25 minutes)

On Monday this week, Korea suffered its most severe rain in more than 100 years. The torrential rain battered the country and left countless homes and businesses ruined from the floods. Some unlucky people even lost their lives. Korea isn’t known for its severe weather, but we all lived through a once-in-lifetime event.

To complete this Journal response, address the following:

• Tell a personal story related to the weather. Consider different conditions: extreme heat, bitter cold, blizzards, high winds, hail, thunderstorms, wildfires, tornados, rain, fog, typhoons

  • Write 100 words or more.

• Comment on a peer's response.

-Brenden Lee Teacher