Late-afternoon traffic (CRAWL) along a busy freeway when a pickup truck suddenly (LOSE) part of its load. Packages of cheese balls (SLIDE) across the carpool lane, and drivers (SLOW) down to avoid them. At first, everyone (GET AROUND) the mess. Then several drivers (STOP) completely. While police officers (TRY) to reach the lane, people (GET) out of their cars and (TAKE) some of the spilled snacks. Traffic (BACK UP) for a while, but by 7:30 workers (CLEAR) the lane.

Rain (FALL) hard, and water (RISE) quickly on roads people used to get home. Cars (MOVE) through the afternoon traffic when some of them suddenly (STALL) in the water. Drivers (LEAVE) their cars where they stopped and (LOOK) for another way out. On nearby train tracks, trains (RUN) as usual at first, but flooding soon (FORCE) the train company to stop them. At the same time, hundreds of homes (LOSE) power. Rescue workers (WORK) their way through flooded streets while drivers (WAIT) for help. By evening, the rain (EASE), but many roads were still under water.

A cargo plane (COME) in to land at a busy airport late in the evening. The plane (MOVE) along the runway when the crew (HEAR) several loud bangs. Moments later, flames (APPEAR) around the back wheels. The plane (STILL ROLL) as firefighters (GET) ready to move in. Airport workers (KEEP) other planes away from the runway, and firefighters (PUT) out the flames. No one (BE) injured.