Meteorologists from AccuWeather and the National Weather Service are alerting that a significant derecho risk is developing across the central United States in the upcoming days, with winds reaching up to 100 mph akin to hurricane strength that could affect a stretch of 12 states from the Great Plains to the Midwest. The area with the highest risk of hail extends from Texas through Alabama and up to Iowa. These inland storms, known as derechos, can cause destruction similar to a Category 1 hurricane over vast distances, damaging power systems, uprooting trees, and creating life-threatening situations. Millions of Americans in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and adjacent states are at risk.
