2:05pm Comprehensive Derecho Forecast

Please take this derecho -- a long-lived line of of highly damaging winds -- seriously. One-third of the population of Iowa is without power!

Radar 2:08pm

Midway, Iowa, has recorded at 106 mph gust with a 100 mph gust at Hiawatha, Iowa.

Photo, via Twitter, from Perry, Iowa. This is why you should shelter as it is was a tornado.

This is a "particularly dangerous situation" watch for 100 mph wind gusts and "a couple of tornadoes." It is expected to sweep across the Chicago area between 3 and 3:30pm. 

Ahead of the derecho, we strongly recommend these preparations:

In addition, fill your automobile's fuel system. Charge your smartphone and laptop, but take them off the charger before the storms arrive as power fluctuations can damage them.

Timing for Chicago area. Power failures LIKELY. One computer model forecasts 98 mph wind gusts in Chicago.

Please take this seriously!!This is a "particularly dangerous situation" watch for 100 mph wind gusts and "a couple of tornadoes."