Massive Derecho With 90+ MPH Winds Leaves Multiple Dead Across The Midwest

A massive derecho swept through the Midwest on Tuesday (April 29), bringing hurricane-strength winds, hail, and tornadoes, resulting in multiple fatalities and widespread damage. The storm, which spanned over 500 miles from eastern Indiana to central Pennsylvania, caused wind gusts of up to 90 mph, uprooting trees and downing power lines. In Pittsburgh, two people died, including a man electrocuted by downed wires.

The derecho also led to significant power outages, leaving about 400,000 customers in Pennsylvania without electricity. In Franklin Township, a fallen tree killed a car passenger, while in State College, a 22-year-old man died from electrocution while extinguishing a mulch fire caused by live wires.

The severe weather extended beyond Pennsylvania, impacting states from Texas to New York. Oklahoma and Texas experienced severe thunderstorms, with wind gusts over 100 mph and flash flooding. Lawton, Oklahoma, saw multiple water rescues, and parts of the city faced voluntary evacuations due to rising floodwaters. More than 700 flights were canceled nationwide, with Dallas airports most affected.

The storm threat continues, with the National Weather Service issuing tornado watches and warnings across Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Rainfall amounts of up to 8 inches are possible, exacerbating the risk of flash flooding.