Every thunderstorm produces a downburst. The old adage, what goes up, must come down, holds true for the rising air in every thunderstorm. The typical 25 miles per hour gusty breeze, accompanied by a temperature drop as much as 20 degrees in a few minutes, is the downburst we feel from a distant thunderstorm. However, when downburst winds are 58 mph or greater, damage to well constructed homes increase significantly. Downburst winds of 58 miles per hour or greater are considered severe.
Downburst wind can produce widespread damage similar to that of tornado.
In fact, some downburst winds have been measured in excess of 120 miles per hour, or equivalent to a strong tornado.