Did the Storm That Swept Through Iowa on July 15th Qualify as a Derecho?

On Monday, July 15th a massive storm struck a good chunk of the Midwest. It worked its way through parts of Eastern Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana.

According to a recent report, 425,000 people in the Midwest were left without power after this storm. Tornado warnings were issued all throughout the state in Rock Island, Scott, Henry, Mercer, Muscatine, Whiteside, Clinton, and Linn Counties.

In addition, flash flooding warnings were popping up across the Corridor.

Our weather partners reported wind gusts higher than 80 MPH in New Vienna in Dubuque County.

Cedar Rapids saw significant rain fall with some areas of the city reporting anywhere between 1.66 to 4 inches of rain.

When news of this incoming storm broke, many Cedar Rapids residents feared that this disastrous mixture of tornados, thunderstorms, high winds, and rain could lead to another derecho.

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What Exactly Is a Derecho?

According to the National Weather Service, a derecho is "a widespread, long-lived wind storm that is associated with a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms."

The damage for these storms extends for more than 400 miles long, and are at least 60 miles wide, according to KCRG-TV.

A derecho storm must include wind gusts of 58 MPH, along with several 75 MPH+ gusts along the path.

In August of 2020, Cedar Rapids experienced a derecho with wind speeds of 140 mph that lasted approximately 45 minutes, according to reports. 

After this storm devastated the city, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that the storm caused $7.5 billion in damage between South Dakota and Ohio, ranking it as the costliest thunderstorm in U.S. history.

Most Cedar Rapids residents were without power following the storm.

Was the Storm on Monday, July 15th Considered A Derecho Then?

According to weather experts...yes.

Our weather partner at KCRG-TV confirmed that the storm on Monday evening was technically considered a derecho.

Officials said that to be considered a derecho there is a "longevity requirement" by about 50 to 100 miles. Monday's storm was on the shorter side of the requirement.

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