Deadly Derecho Slams Midwest On Monday
A powerful derecho that swept through the Midwest caused significant damage in the Chicago area. Hurricane-force winds toppled power lines, overturned semi-trucks, and damaged property. Interstate 55 remains closed in some areas due to the extensive damage.
The storm, accompanied by tornado warnings, brought wind gusts of up to 105 mph. Multiple vehicles were trapped between downed power lines, and emergency crews are working to clear the debris and restore power. The cleanup could take a while as crews work to untangle power lines and remove multiple tractor-trailers.
What is a derecho?
A derecho is a widespread, long-lived wind storm. It's associated with a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms. While it can cause destruction similar to tornadoes, the damage is typically directed in one direction along a relatively straight path.