Thunderstorms packing winds gusting to 120 mph pounded parts of the Midwest on Friday, leaving four people dead, knocking out power to thousands - AP

Emergency crews from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Butler County and Poplar Bluff clean up the scene of a double fatal accident on Highway 53, about three miles south of Poplar Bluff, Mo., Friday, May 8, 2009. The vehicle was traveling south when gusty storm winds apparently uprooted a large oak tree, which fell on the vehicle, killing both occupants. (AP Photo/Daily American Republic, Paul Davis)

Thunderstorms with wind gusts up to 120 mph - without mention of tornado... sounds more like hurricane than the usual Midwestern storm.

The following is insightful in gaining understanding of the force of winds moving at 120mph:

120 MPH Wind Simulation - ABC News - Truveo Video Search
Sam Champion journeys to the eye of the storm in a hurricane simulator. - ABC News