VOA标准英语2010年-Fierce Winter Storm Hits Washington, F

Most of the northeastern US ground to a halt as a huge winter blizzard¹ struck vast areas of the region with high winds and record snow falls

Carolyn Weaver² | New York 10 February 2010

Road crews removing snow in the U.S. capital, 10 Feb 2010

Another fierce winter storm struck the U.S. capital Wednesday, closing schools and government offices, then moved north to Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City. Major airlines canceled most flights in and out of those cities. VOA's Carolyn Weaver reports on the snow and wind that are paralyzing much of the northeastern U.S.

In Washington, heavy snow and high winds virtually shut down the nation's capital. Snow removal crews worked to clear streets and sidewalks, and the federal government was closed for a third straight day.  Some people who braved the elements couldn't believe the conditions. "I have never seen it this bad. I have been here (in Washington) for 20 years and never seen it this bad," one person said.

Snow crews worked around the clock in an attempt to clear streets. But it was still a difficult ride for drivers who ventured out. "Let me tell you the truth. You have got to have a four by four. If you don't have a four wheel drive don't even try (driving) because all the cars get stuck out there and they cannot go nowhere," another person said.

In New York, most of a light snowfall was only slush by mid-morning. Mayor Michael Bloomberg had already ordered public schools shut in anticipation³ of the heavy snow and winds expected later. Subway trains sped uninterrupted into Manhattan. At Times Square, where snow plows⁴ and trucks were being readied for the expected blizzard, taxi and bus traffic flowed at a normal rate. City transportation workers said the real storm was yet to come.

"Actually, this is the pre-storm. The actual storm starts at 4 o'clock. Eighteen inches," said one worker.  When asked if he was going to be around, he said, "Yeah, till 12 o'clock at night. No seven o'clock, actually. All right - enjoy!"

Outside the United Nations, which was closed due to the storm, disappointed tourists from China contented⁵ themselves with taking snapshots. Libraries and courts also were closed, but most city offices remained open. So did the New York Stock Exchange, even as the sleet⁶ began to thicken and stick again to the ground. Reports predicted the blizzard would leave up to half a meter of snow on New York streets in the evening.

 

1 blizzard   

n.暴风雪

参考例句：

• The blizzard struck while we were still on the mountain.我们还在山上的时候暴风雪就袭来了。
• You'll have to stay here until the blizzard blows itself off.你得等暴风雪停了再走。

2 weaver   

n.织布工；编织者

参考例句：

• She was a fast weaver and the cloth was very good.她织布织得很快，而且布的质量很好。
• The eager weaver did not notice my confusion.热心的纺织工人没有注意到我的狼狈相。

3 anticipation   

n.预期，预料，期望

参考例句：

• We waited at the station in anticipation of her arrival.我们在车站等着，期待她的到来。
• The animals grew restless as if in anticipation of an earthquake.各种动物都变得焦躁不安，像是感到了地震即将发生。

4 plows   

n.犁( plow的名词复数 )；犁型铲雪机v.耕( plow的第三人称单数 )；犁耕；费力穿过

参考例句：

• Alex and Tony were turning awkward hands to plows and hoe handles. 亚历克斯和托尼在犁耙等农活方面都几乎变成新手了。
• Plows are still pulled by oxen in some countries. 在一些国家犁头仍由牛拖拉。

5 contented   

adj.满意的，安心的，知足的

参考例句：

• He won't be contented until he's upset everyone in the office.不把办公室里的每个人弄得心烦意乱他就不会满足。
• The people are making a good living and are contented,each in his station.人民安居乐业。

6 sleet   

n.雨雪；v.下雨雪，下冰雹

参考例句：

• There was a great deal of sleet last night.昨夜雨夹雪下得真大。
• When winter comes,we get sleet and frost.冬天来到时我们这儿会有雨夹雪和霜冻。