On that particular morning, we were in Kansas, midway through a project to photograph the storm that sweeps across the middle of the United States every spring. Nick Moir, our team leader, sat on the edge of the bed, checking apps and online radars in search of a good storm cell (云泡) for us to pursue.
“This is it,” he said, waving his phone at the rest of the crew—photographer Krystle, videographer Armstrong, and me. “Let’s roll out.”
We loaded the car with our equipment and off we went, driving under cloudless blue skies for hundreds of miles. We left that quiet day behind when we reached the outer edge of our targeted storm and entered a dark scene of clouds, distant lightning, and continual rain. As we neared the heart of the cell, we found ourselves braving high winds, very heavy rain, and merciless hail (冰雹). Kryestle, at the wheel, sped up to get in front of the storm, but it was moving too fast. We could barely keep pace with it.
Then we caught sight of a rain-wrapped tornado (龙卷风) half a mile to our right. The horrible conditions made it difficult for us to keep the monster in sight. We lost our cellphone reception. We couldn’t see beyond 20 feet, and the hail was so loud we had to shout to communicate. Our road was on a crossing path with the tornado.
That’s when Nick called it. “We have to quit,” he shouted. Krystle suddenly changed direction, driving the car north onto a country road. For the next hour, we were struck by large hail as we escaped the madness of that dangerous chase.
Disappointed and defeated, we knew it was right to give up. We pulled over and watched until the lightning-filled cloud rolled away, lighting up the dark sky. Nick located another super cell not far from where we were.
4. What was Krystle’s task in the team?
A.To schedule the storm filming. | B.To take photos and drive the car. |
C.To evaluate the risk of the chase. | D.To locate the tornado online. |
5. Why did the crew stop their chase?
A.An unexpected tornado made it dangerous to go on. |
B.The car was too slow to keep up with the storm. |
C.They failed to be in touch with each other by cellphone. |
D.The distant lightning and heavy rain threatened them. |
6. What did the crew probably do after the tornado?
A.They changed direction and headed north. |
B.They stayed there to watch the lightning. |
C.They discussed whether it was right to quit. |
D.They continued to photograph the storm. |
7. Which of the following is the best title of the passage?
A.Through the tornado. | B.Into the storm. |
C.Away from the hail. | D.Under the blue sky. |