One derecho occurs each year for northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio.

A derecho is a widespread, rapidly moving wind storm.

Damage is usually in one direction along a straight line, which is sometimes described as straight-line wind damage.

The system can even take sharp turns or even have a bow-like appearance on a radar.

According to the National Weather Service, “the event is a derecho if the wind damage swath extends more than 240 miles and includes wind gusts of at least 58 mph or greater along most of its length.”

The most recent derecho that probably comes to mind is June 29th, 2012.

This particular wind storm was booking at about 60 miles per hour and it caused major damage from the Midwest to the eastern seaboard.

According to the national weather service, it hit nearly every major metropolitan area from Chicago to the Tidewater area.

Storms splintered trees, mangled power lines and battered homes.

Damage was assessed at over 2-billion dollars.

A derecho typically occurs between April and October, although it can occur any time of the year.

This type of event should be treated like a severe thunderstorm.

It packs damaging winds, lightning and heavy rainfall.

The best way to prepare is to have a way to receive weather updates and alerts.

Also, for more weather information, goto to the website.