June 29, 2012 derecho facts for kids

The June 2012 derecho was a powerful natural disaster that hit the United States on June 29, 2012. A derecho is a widespread, long-lived line of very strong thunderstorms. This particular storm formed in the Midwest during the afternoon. It then traveled quickly across the Ohio Valley and the Mid-Atlantic states. The storm caused significant damage and left many people without electricity for several days. This was especially challenging because a heatwave was happening in the affected areas. Sadly, this event also led to the loss of life for 28 individuals.