Severe Storms
Straight-Line Wind Damage Guide: Why It Can Be as Serious as a Tornado
How straight-line thunderstorm winds damage trees, roofs, fences, and power lines, and why severe thunderstorm warnings deserve action.
Quick answer: Straight-line winds spread outward from storms and can cause serious damage even when no tornado forms.
What it means
Straight-line wind generally refers to damaging non-tornadic thunderstorm wind.
It can come from downbursts, bow echoes, or strong outflow.
Damage pattern
Damage often falls in a broad direction rather than a narrow convergent path.
Survey teams use patterns to distinguish wind types.
Safety
Move indoors and away from windows during severe thunderstorm warnings.
Destructive wind wording should be taken especially seriously.