Destructive Midwest Derecho Strikes, Leaving Widespread Damage

AccuWeather meteorologists issued an urgent warning on November 13, 2025, as conditions in the central United States became primed for a significant derecho risk. For listeners unfamiliar with the term, a derecho is a widespread, fast-moving windstorm linked to a line of severe thunderstorms, sometimes rivaling hurricanes in their ability to bring destructive straight-line winds. According to AOL Weather, the threat zone included parts of Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri, with the timing of the outbreak expected late Thursday through early Friday. This system evolved as a classic low-pressure system moved across the Plains, creating strong wind shear and pushing warm, moist Gulf air northward—ideal ingredients for the formation of rapidly advancing thunderstorm lines.

Satellite imagery from the CIRA Satellite Library on November 13 captured a pronounced low-pressure system barreling east across the Midwest, accompanied by clusters of intense, organized thunderstorms. These storms raced along a 700-mile corridor, some embedded in bow-shaped squall lines—a classic derecho signature. Widespread reports of wind gusts topping 80 mph poured in from central Iowa and northwest Missouri. In Omaha, Nebraska, emergency officials reported downed power lines and trees, while local news outlets relayed images of overturned semis along I-80 and roofs peeled from homes. More than 420,000 residents across the affected region faced electrical outages at the peak of the storms.

As the derecho advanced, embedded supercell thunderstorms also spawned quick-hitting tornadoes in parts of eastern Kansas and west-central Illinois, compounding damage and heightening anxiety. The Storm Prediction Center received numerous reports of widespread tree damage, shattered windows, and mobile homes shifted from their foundations. In Des Moines, local officials urged residents to remain indoors and avoid travel until the most dangerous winds passed. A train of thunderstorms dumped torrential rain as well, leading to flooded streets in several Midwest cities.

While fortunately there were no immediate reports of fatalities, several injuries were confirmed, primarily from flying debris and collapsed outbuildings. By early morning on November 14, clean-up operations were underway, with utility crews working around the clock to restore electricity and clear major arteries. AccuWeather estimates suggest the total damage could easily exceed $1.5 billion, placing this event among the top windstorm disasters of 2025. Meteorologists point to a persistent pattern of amplified jet stream winds as a major culprit this autumn, keeping the region on edge for repeat severe weather as the year draws to a close.

To all listeners, thank you for tuning in and staying informed about these rapidly developing severe weather threats. Make sure to come back next week for more updates and stories. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out QuietPlease dot AI.

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