Massive storm system that spawned tornadoes and hail in Midwest surges toward Mid-Atlantic

CHICAGO – A massive storm system originally forecast to affect one in five Americans from Iowa to Maryland is surging toward the Mid-Atlantic after largely failing to live up to its billing in ferocity through the Upper Midwest.

Authorities in Ohio report early Thursday morning that high winds from possible tornadoes damaged barns in the northwest and knocked out power in some areas in the centre of the Buckeye State.

Meteorologists warned about the possibility of a weather event called a derecho (deh-RAY’-choh), which is a storm of strong straight-line winds spanning at least 240 miles.

While the Midwest dodged a derecho, several tornadoes, large hail and flooding did some damage.