US: Derecho causes damage throughout Midwest on August 10

Event

A powerful derecho has caused damage throughout the Midwest states of Nebraska, Iowa, and Wisconsin on Monday, August 10. The storm, which had hurricane-level winds of more than 160 kph (100 mph), lasted several hours and damaged homes, blew over trees, destroyed power infrastructure, and injured several people. Nearly 101,000 people in the Des Moines area were left without power, with downed trees reportedly making repair efforts difficult.

The derecho has continued eastward and is expected to reach Chicago by the early evening. As of 11:25 (local time), the National Weather Service has issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Eastern Iowa, Northern Illinois, northwest Indiana, southern Wisconsin, and Lake Michigan. It is to remain in effect until 19:00 Monday. Brief tornados are possible as the storm passes.

Further strong winds and thunderstorms are likely in the near term. Expect disruptions to transportation, business, and utilities over the coming days.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather forecasts, anticipate localized flooding and associated transportation disruptions, and take appropriate precautions.