How straight-line winds are formed As air rises, it will cool to the point of condensation where water vapor forms tiny water droplets, comprising the cumulus cloud we see.

Straight line winds are formed from strong thunderstorms, which include a strong updraft and downdraft. Below is a simplified version of a thunderstorm's life cycle.

Gomez told KSAT that many in the city think it was a “little tornado.” The National Weather Service would have to survey the damage to confirm if it was caused by a tornado or straight-line winds.

Straight-line winds stem from a downdraft of a storm. A downdraft is caused when rising air within a storm reaches its capacity and can no longer support the amount of water within the cloud. Cold ...

But straight-line winds occur more often and can be at speeds approaching EF-0 and EF-1 tornadoes. “Straight -line winds can cause extensive damage and can lead to serious injuries.” ...

An extreme type of straight-line wind is a derecho. The wind blows straight out and ahead of a storm. If you were here during the summer of 2012, you know exactly what I’m talking about.