Straight line winds are formed from strong thunderstorms, which include a strong updraft and downdraft. Below is a simplified version of a thunderstorm's life cycle.

"Straight line wind storms frequently blow over trees and break branches that can damage cars and buildings. However, they can also damage building roofs and damage their outer walls," Prien said.

Governor Armstrong requests presidential disaster declaration for storm damage from tornadoes, straight-line winds.

Both tornadic and straight-line winds can be very damaging, but meteorologists can identify the type of storm both from radar and in post-event surveys. Here is a summary, including some definitions.

Damaging straight line winds plunged about half the city of Springfield into darkness Thursday afternoon, felling tree limbs and power lines in the process. According to City Water, Light and ...