Derecho and Record-Breaking Storms Pummel MidWest

A powerful set of storms ripped through the Midwest, with widespread wind damage and record-breaking storm speeds. 

This storm line caused the most instances of 75 mph or greater winds in a single day on record. See the official graphic below: 

Storms were moving at over 100 mph, including one that went at 110 mph! See an example below:

Snapshot of a warning issued by the National Weather Service

The storm line was likely a derecho, given that it traveled hundreds of miles as a solid line of storms. 

What is a derecho? "Although a derecho can produce destruction similar to that of a tornado, the damage typically occurs in one direction along a relatively straight path. As a result, the term "straight-line wind damage" sometimes is used to describe derecho damage. By definition, if the swath of wind damage extends for more than 250 miles (about 400 kilometers), includes wind gusts of at least 58 mph (93 km/h) along most of its length, and also includes several, well-separated 75 mph (121 km/h) or greater gusts, then the event may be classified as a derecho" (National Weather Service definition)

The storm also caused a dust storm in Colorado.