Derecho Threatens Plains, Midwest With Destructive Winds

A potentially catastrophic derecho is forecast to strike the northern Plains and Upper Midwest on Monday, with South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Iowa facing hurricane-force winds of 90–100 mph. The National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center have issued enhanced and moderate risk warnings (Levels 3 and 4 out of 5) for these states, warning of widespread wind damage, large hail, and a few tornadoes. Meteorologists note that derechos can cause destruction comparable to tornadoes but over a much broader area, and this system's winds could extend for hundreds of miles. Intense heat and humidity from a persistent heat dome are fueling the threat, raising risks of flash flooding and travel disruptions. Residents are advised to stay alert for warnings, as significant power outages and property damage are possible despite the event not being among the most extreme derechos in recent years. Experts link the increasing frequency and intensity of such severe storms to climate change.