AccuWeather meteorologists indicate that derecho occurrences — swift-moving bands of intense thunderstorms generating straight-line winds exceeding 100 mph over distances of 500 miles or more — are anticipated to become more prevalent than tornadoes in the U.S. this spring.
The 2020 Midwest derecho led to $11 billion in damages across Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana.
A significant derecho event this spring could influence 12 states with winds comparable to a Category 2 hurricane, and warning periods could be as brief as 15 minutes.
