August 10: 3 Year Anniversary of Midwest Derecho

news image
Special Stories
11 Aug 2023 12:00 AM

Thursday, August 10th marks the three year anniversary of the powerful derecho that slammed the Midwest, leaving behind over $11B in damages across Iowa, Illinois and Indiana.

The storm was on the ground for over 770 miles, and lasted 14 hours. It tore through corn fields and soy crops, leaving the Heart of the Country completely devastated by the event. Over 26 tornadoes touched down during the course of the storm. Sadly, 4 people lost their lives during the event as tree and power lines came down through many states.

One of the hardest hit cities was Cedar Rapids, IA where wind gusts of 126 mph were measured during the storm. Post-storm analysis revealed damage worthy of 140 mph wind gusts. The city was in a total black out as a result of power outages for close to a month.

The Storm Prediction Center recently updated the definition of a derecho, which is a long-term wind event. It must be 400 miles long and 60 miles wide, creating severe wind gusts (58 mph) along the entire course of the storm with additional 70+ mph wind gusts spaced out throughout the storm.

All Weather News
More
Historic Heatwave Hits the Northern Rockies, California Heat Expands

Historic Heatwave Hits the Northern Rockies, California Heat Expands

Dangerous heat and record high temperatures c

14 Jul 2026 8:25 PM
Texas Facing Major Flood Threat This week

Texas Facing Major Flood Threat This week

Texas is facing a major flooding threat this

14 Jul 2026 8:20 PM
Rare Enhanced Severe Threat For New England

Rare Enhanced Severe Threat For New England

After several stormy days to end the previous

14 Jul 2026 4:30 PM
Monsoon Moisture Returns to the Southwest, Increasing Storm and Flash Flood Potential

Monsoon Moisture Returns to the Southwest, Increasing Storm and Flash Flood Potential

After weeks of hot and mostly dry weather, th

14 Jul 2026 4:15 PM
Saharan Dust and Excessive Heat Impact the Southeast

Saharan Dust and Excessive Heat Impact the Southeast

Hazy skies will be hovering over portions of

14 Jul 2026 10:05 AM
Another Day of Storms for the Plains & Front Range

Another Day of Storms for the Plains & Front Range

Several rounds of severe weather have been ro

11 Jul 2026 1:50 AM
Babylon Fire in UT Surpasses 100,000 Acres, CO Fires Continue to Grow

Babylon Fire in UT Surpasses 100,000 Acres, CO Fires Continue to Grow

The Aspen Acres fire continues to burn in Sou

10 Jul 2026 1:40 AM