A、Florence. B、Harvey. C、Irma. D、Maria. B

The state of Texas has not fully recovered from last year’s hurricane, Harvey, as it prepares for a new season of storms. Texas governor Greg Abbott spoke to reporters after a teleconference with President Trump and Federal Emergency Officials.
    “We are ready, and we are taking steps on a daily basis to make sure we will be able to address any challenge coming our way.” Hurricane Harvey brought record rainfall to Texas—more rain fell over a five-day period than at any time, since records have been kept in the United States beginning in the 1850s.
    Abbott said two new satellites and advanced tracking technology will help determine in advance the path and strength of the storms. State and local governments are also planning evacuation routes, shelters, communication lines and supply chains to ensure efficient response to the storms. “We are working to make sure that whether it be our work with the Red Cross, our work with other similar organizations, is coordinated in advance to make sure that this will operate as seamless as possible.” Last year’s deadly hurricanes including Harvey, Irma and Maria caused devastation in large parts of Texas, Louisiana, the South Atlanticstates, the Caribbean and Puerto Rico. Trump praised what he called massive recovery and response efforts to the disasters.
    “As we enter the hurricane season again, here we go, right? You are ready?” “Yes, sir.” “But we’re entering it. We are marshalling every available resource to ensure maximum preparation for rapid response. That’s what we had last year. Disaster response and recovery is best achieved when it’s federally supported, state managed and locally executed.” Scientists warn that, as the earth warms, storms are absorbing more moisture and are capable of producing more rainfall. This year storms are also expected to be driven by exceptionally powerful winds. Emergency Officials say the nation has to be prepared for ever more active storms in the future. “We’ve got to keep building a culture of preparedness in this state and in this nation. The people in the grange and other parts of the state have got to help themselves, help us and we’ve got to start building that culture preparedness.”
    Meteorologists predict up to 16 storms this summer including 5 to 9 hurricanes. The most active storms usually began in mid-August.
    Question 19. What’s the name of the hurricane that hit Texas last year?
    Question 20. What will be helpful to determine the path and strength of the storms in advance?
    Question 21. What do the Emergency Officials urge as storms get stronger?