In 1995, The Right Turn Derecho was underway in North Dakota at midnight on this day, that had formed in eastern Montana on afternoon of the 12th, and traveled across the northern Plains into the Midwest, making a right turn in the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan midday, going down across majority of the Lower Peninsula and also affected SW Ontario, Pennsylvania and Ohio, in addition to North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin earlier in the day. This derecho was on the northern periphery of a historic and deadly heat wave across the Midwest. There were numerous reports near or just above 90 MPH straight line winds along the storms path. 7 people were killed and nearly 3 dozen others injured, including those that were caught by surprise while they were on Lake Erie when the derecho winds surged out ahead of the storms themselves.
In 1995, Another derecho formed in western South Dakota during the evening, as the Right Turn Derecho was weakening, which eventually traversed into central and north-central Minnesota the next day.
USA Weather is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the timely and accurate dissemination of weather information to the public though our internet web sites, and warning the public of potentially dangerous weather conditions. The organization was co-founded in late July of 2003 by Storm Chaser James Covington, KB9ZXY, and Meteorologist Don Sell, WB9TYJ. It has been in continuous operation since that time. USA Weather is staffed by volunteers who love weather and the science of meteorology, and enjoy forecasting.
We hire meteorologists and weather enthusiasts who want to volunteer their time to producing local weather forecasts, in addition to, national outlook forecasts for severe (thunderstorms & tornadoes), winter, hydrological, and climatological weather events.
In 2022, we are on our biggest rebrand of the organization ever by introducing GIS to the website and a proprietary system for producing forecasts and alerts (also GIS-based).
December: Michael Pease / Verification Director
We are excited to announce that Mr. Pease has been recognized as the Employee of the Month for December 2025 and January, 2026. Mr. Pease has shown extreme dedication to the organization, not only with his local forecast office but aiding in the growth and promotion of the Organization. His dedication to this Organization has not gone unnoticed, and we are proud to honor his dedication to our Organization. Congratulations, Mr. Pease! We are grateful for your hard work and dedication, and we look forward to your continued achievements in the future. Thank you for all that you do!
USA Weather is a weather website that offers weather forecast products and gives folks an opportunity to volunteer that have a keen interest in atmospheric sciences or meteorology, but either do not have a degree, or may not be able to obtain a degree; but, want to offer their time forecasting for their respective local area. Applicants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
As an applicant, you will go through a process that allows to share your experience, take our entrance exam, and tell us why you want to volunteer with USAWX. Our Human Resources Department will receive your application, make a final decision, and then follow up with you via email.
We are excited to have you on our amazing team, and we can't wait to have you on board!
