Deadly Derecho Devastates Central and Eastern U.S.: 3 Dead, 700,000+ Without Power

A rare and destructive derecho storm system tore through the Ohio Valley and parts of the Northeast Tuesday evening, bringing hurricane-force winds, widespread damage, and leaving more than 700,000 customers without power. At least three people have died due to storm-related incidents, as emergency crews continue recovery operations across multiple states.

Storm Turns Deadly With Winds Over 80 MPH

The derecho began as a line of severe thunderstorms near Indianapolis and intensified rapidly as it moved eastward. By the time it reached southeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania, wind gusts had reached up to 80 miles per hour, snapping trees, ripping roofs from buildings, and downing countless power lines.

Meteorologists say this was not a typical thunderstorm. A derecho is a widespread, long-lived windstorm associated with a line of fast-moving thunderstorms. These events can produce wind damage on par with low-end tornadoes but over much larger areas.

Communities across western Pennsylvania, including the Pittsburgh metro area, were hit hard, with reports of collapsed structures, blocked roads, and downed communications networks.