Thunderstorms can produce extreme wind events, including straight-line winds. Wind is caused by differences in air pressure, with higher pressure pushing toward lower pressure. The greater the pressure difference, the stronger the wind.

Thunderstorms form when heat and moisture near the Earth’s surface rise to the upper atmosphere, producing clouds, precipitation, and wind. According to the NWS, a thunderstorm is defined by the presence of thunder with rainfall, and radar helps differentiate it from rain showers.

Straight-line winds, particularly downbursts (rapidly descending air from a thunderstorm), can cause damage similar to strong tornadoes and pose hazards to air travel.