Possible Derecho Hit the Upper-Midwest Friday Morning

news image
Top Stories
9 Aug 2025 3:15 AM

Another intense night of severe storms ripped through portions of the Upper-Midwest from Thursday night into Friday morning. Multiple bowing segments congealed into a large complex/squall line, which produced wind damage for over 300 miles across the states of Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota. Thousands of households lost power while several structures have reported damage.

Will this be classified as a derecho? According to NWS Grand Forks, Thursday's night storm was not classified as a derecho. Listen why.



Again, NWS Grand Forks believes the factors of not enough higher end wind gusts, the duration of the wind event, and the coverage area was enough not to deem this event as a derecho. However, we can still learn more on what is a derecho! A big severe strength wind storm to say the least, but the Storm Prediction Center has a full definition including multiple criteria that have to be met.

It certainly appears this system will meet the spatial requirements for a derecho as damaging wind reports (58+ mph) stretch for over 300 miles.

Peak gusts were well over 75 mph, with a gust at Gran Forks Air Force Base measured at 91 mph!

This squall line produced several 75+ mph gusts, which appear to be well separated as well. This also appears to meet the requirement for a derecho.

While it appears this system has met the basic 3 requirements for a derecho, other criteria (top of the page) have to be met as well. In addition, wind reports and reports of damage will have to be verified as accurate.

Derechos most often occur from the late spring through the summer, with a typical drop off in August.

All Weather News
More
Blizzard Warnings Issued - Nor'easter Takes Aim at the Atlantic Coast

Blizzard Warnings Issued - Nor'easter Takes Aim at the Atlantic Coast

Storms have seemingly been drawn to the North

21 Feb 2026 2:20 PM
Strong Storms Target the Southeast

Strong Storms Target the Southeast

A developing storm system is expected to brin

21 Feb 2026 2:18 PM
New England Snow & Ice Into Saturday

New England Snow & Ice Into Saturday

Snow has become more widespread across Upstat

21 Feb 2026 3:15 AM
Major Storm System Winds Down in California

Major Storm System Winds Down in California

CALIFORNIA - After almost a week of relentles

21 Feb 2026 3:10 AM
Wildfire Danger: Red Flag Warnings Persist Into Saturday

Wildfire Danger: Red Flag Warnings Persist Into Saturday

PLAINS - Multiple active fires broke out earl

21 Feb 2026 3:00 AM
Strong Storms Spawned Tornadoes in Illinois Amid Elevated Severe Threat

Strong Storms Spawned Tornadoes in Illinois Amid Elevated Severe Threat

A powerful storm system tore through the Ohio

21 Feb 2026 3:00 AM
Heavy Snow Slams Parts of the Midwest, Lingers This Weekend

Heavy Snow Slams Parts of the Midwest, Lingers This Weekend

A pair of storms dropped feet of snow across

20 Feb 2026 3:03 PM