Xiao Ming looked up at the sky, the leaden gray clouds seemed to press down even lower, a sense of foreboding filling the air.
Not far away, on Aunt Wang's rooftop, a few strong young men were laying windbreak boards together to prevent the roof from being ripped off by the fierce wind.
Aunt Wang was busy in the kitchen preparing some non-perishable food just in case. Her son, Xiao Gang, was checking the flashlights and spare batteries to ensure there would be enough light at home in case of a power outage.
Uncle Zhang, despite his aged years, still insisted on helping.
He was instructing the young people on how to more securely tie up doors and windows while reminding everyone, "Remember to put all important documents in watertight bags, and don't forget to prepare food for the pets."
