With one round of thunderstorms causing power outages for thousands of MidAmerican Energy customers and more storms on the way, some Iowans may be worried about a derecho.

The powerful storms can bring hurricane-strength winds to Midwestern states like Iowa and leave a wide path of damage.

Here's what we know about the storms and the risk in Iowa.

What is a derecho?

Derechos can pack lethal gusts of wind in excess of 100 mph — which is hurricane strength — and stretch for many miles, lasting for hours.

Storms that have sustained winds of at least 58 mph and leave a path of damage at least 250 miles long qualify as derechos, according to the National Weather Service.

Derechos develop in the northern hemisphere during warm weather and may be accompanied, or preceded, by violent thund

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