【BBC 随身英语】The Great Storm 20 years on 大风暴20周年 （上）

On 16th October 1987, southern Britain was hit by hurricane force winds, the worst storm to occur in Britain since 1703.

Twenty years on, Britain is remembering the devastation caused by what came to be known as 'The Great Storm.' 15 million trees across the region were uprooted due to the wind, as well as the fact that a wet autumn in general had made the ground very muddy.

The falling trees caused destruction to buildings and vehicles and blocked roads and railway lines, causing everyone from commuters to school-children to stay at home.

There were also black-outs across the area, as power lines were damaged by falling trees and flying debris. People resorted to candles and torches for light, and gas stoves andopen fires to cook food.

hit by  遭受打击
hurricane force winds  飓风般的大风
devastation  灾难性破坏
uproot  （大树）连根拔
destruction  破坏
commuter  乘公交车上下班的人
black out  停电；断电
debris  废墟；瓦砾
resorted to  诉诸于
open fires  明火