Shocking footage shows the power of the derecho that devastated Iowa — and is bearing down on Chicago
Derecho damage in the midwest (screengrab)

The midwest is currently being hit by a devastating derecho.

Over 450,000 homes and businesses are without power in Nebraska and Iowa, The Weather Channel reported Monday.

"Residents in the Midwest felt the wrath of a derecho which left widespread damage and hundreds of thousands in the dark Monday afternoon," the network reported. "The severe storms marched eastward across Nebraska and Iowa, bringing wind gusts as high as 100 mph that easily downed large trees and caused some structural damage."

As the fast-moving storm heads east, it is threatening Chicago.

"A damaging derecho, or long-lasting, significant windstorm, was approaching the greater Chicago area Monday afternoon with widespread damaging winds and likely power outages," The Washington Post reported. "The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center issued a rare 'particularly dangerous situation' severe thunderstorm watch for eastern Iowa, northern Illinois, extreme northwest Indiana, and southern Wisconsin, where 'scattered significant gusts to 100 mph' were 'likely.'”

Postings on social media showed the damage the storm has already inflicted -- and warnings of what may be yet to come:

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