Idiom: before the storm breaks

[Neli]

Test No. incompl/inter-85 "Simple Present (2)", question 10

Fortunately he made it to the pub before the storm ..........

(a) broke
(b) fell
(c) dropped
(d) collapsed

Test No. incompl/inter-85 "Simple Present (2)", answer 10

Fortunately he made it to the pub before the storm broke.

Correct answer: (a) broke

Your answer was: incorrect
Fortunately he made it to the pub before the storm fell.
_________________________

Way "broke" no "fell"

[Mister Micawber]

.
The idiom for (suddenly) begin in the case of storms, dawn and news is break.

Dawn broke at 4:10 this morning.
They broke the news to us too late to do anything about it.

It appears similarly as break out in other contexts: fights, rashes, and front runners in marathons break out.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber