severe rainstorm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe rainstorm" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a rainstorm that is intense and potentially damaging, often associated with strong winds and heavy rainfall. Example: "The weather forecast warned of a severe rainstorm approaching the area, prompting residents to prepare for possible flooding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Last August, Jayden Foytlin, a thirteen-year-old girl from southern Louisiana, became trapped in her flooded house during a severe rainstorm.

The New Yorker

A severe rainstorm brought on mud slides and flash floods that ravaged communities along the mountainous northern coast, including sections of the Caracas metropolitan area.

Britannica

That has been criticized, in hindsight, as the equivalent of studying the weather patterns during a prolonged drought and concluding there will never be a severe rainstorm.

The New York Times

BEARS 23, RAVENS 20 Robbie Gould kicked a 38-yard field goal in overtime to lift host Chicago past Baltimore in a game delayed about two hours by a severe rainstorm.

The New York Times - Sports

The question before us is whether the reasonableness rule developed in the context of flood control improvements along natural watercourses should apply to cases in which a public entity diverts and rechannels water under a flood control system of dikes and levees that fail in a severe rainstorm, causing damage to properties historically subject to flooding.

Stanford University

After a severe rainstorm, the underground waters rose rapidly, stopping, fortunately, well short of the documents, but reaching alarming levels, coursing through the Archive's basement and a theatre, where visitors could find an unwelcome reflecting pool the next day, lapping at their feet.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

As climate change causes more severe rainstorms, additional challenges arise.

Harvard University

But since late December, Southern California has been hit by severe rainstorms, with some areas receiving nearly a normal year's worth of precipitation in a few weeks.

The New York Times

Four million cubic yards of silt from the bottom of New York Harbor would be needed to raise the height of the property so that it would not be underwater during severe rainstorms.

The New York Times

In the first major paper of its kind, the researchers used elaborate computer programs that simulate the climate to analyze whether the rise in severe rainstorms, heavy snowfalls and similar events could be explained by natural variability in the atmosphere.

The New York Times - Science

The difference of simulated traffic volumes between sets 1 and 6 is about 30%% during the days between 24 July and 30 July, which means the influence of r is more significant, especially for days with severe rainstorms.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of a "severe rainstorm", provide specific details about the resulting damage, such as flooding, power outages, or transportation disruptions.

Common error

Avoid using multiple adjectives that convey similar meanings to "severe". For example, saying "very severe rainstorm" is redundant. Choose the most impactful adjective and use it effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe rainstorm" functions as a noun phrase where "severe" modifies the noun "rainstorm". It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "severe rainstorm" is a grammatically correct and commonly understood way to describe an intense rainfall event. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While not as frequent as some other weather-related terms, it is widely used in news reports, academic discussions, and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to provide specific details about the impact of the rainstorm, avoiding redundant adjectives. Alternative phrases, such as ""intense downpour"" or ""torrential rain"", can be used to emphasize different aspects of the event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense downpour

Emphasizes the heavy and concentrated nature of the rainfall.

heavy deluge

Focuses on the overwhelming and flooding aspect of the rain.

torrential rain

Highlights the fast and powerful flow of the rain.

extreme rainfall event

Emphasizes the unusual and potentially hazardous nature of the rainfall.

fierce thunderstorm

Highlights the storm component, which might contain lightning and strong winds.

major rain event

Highlights the significance of the event.

intense rain shower

Implies a short duration but high intensity rainfall.

severe thunderstorm

Highlights the storm component, including thunder and lightning.

extreme precipitation

A more general term encompassing all forms of intense rainfall.

violent rainstorm

Highlights the forceful and destructive aspects of the rainstorm.

FAQs

How can I use "severe rainstorm" in a sentence?

You can use "severe rainstorm" to describe weather events causing damage or disruption, like in "The "severe rainstorm" caused widespread flooding in the city".

What can I say instead of "severe rainstorm"?

Alternatives include "intense downpour", "torrential rain", or "heavy deluge", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say "very severe rainstorm"?

While understandable, "very severe rainstorm" can be redundant. Consider using just "severe rainstorm" or opting for a more descriptive phrase that specifies the intensity of the rain.

What are the typical effects of a "severe rainstorm"?

A "severe rainstorm" can lead to flooding, landslides, transportation delays, power outages, and damage to infrastructure and property.