"Derecho Devastates Midwest with Destructive Winds and Tree Damage"

The damaging line of storms that hit Central Illinois on Thursday was classified as a "Derecho," a widespread and long-lived wind storm associated with rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms. Derechos can cause destruction similar to tornadoes, with damage typically directed in one direction along a relatively straight path. The storms produced wind gusts of 100 to 120 mph in parts of western Illinois, and there may have been several tornadoes in the area. The National Weather Service is still assessing the damage to determine wind speeds and tornado ratings.