Weakening derecho could produce wind gusts up to 70 mph tonight

MIAMI VALLEY — A weakening derecho is expected to move through the Miami Valley later tonight, but it will not pack the same punch as it did as it hit parts of the Midwest.

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“The system is expected to weaken, because we don’t have the same parameters in the atmosphere as they do,” said Storm Center 7 Meteorologist Dontae Jones. " Even though it’s weaker, there are some damaging gusty winds that we could see as it moves in between 9 p.m. and midnight from the northwest, so power outages and some isolated wind damages (trees, outside furniture etc) could happen as they roll through.”

The storm system produced winds in excess of 100 mph in Iowa earlier today and the National Weather Service said widespread 70-100 mph winds were likely with the line as it moved into Chicago.

Jones said the Miami Valley will not see those wind speeds locally, but the Miami Valley may see a wind gust top out at 60 to 70 mph.

Cox Media Group