What is a derecho?
Derechos are a system of thunderstorms often situated on a line that produces severe winds and damage over a large area. To be classified as a derecho, winds must be over 58 mph, along with wind damage extending at least 250 miles. Storms also have 75 mph gusts separately.
Tornadoes
The line of storms began to form in the Dakotas, including a picturesque tornado near Dixon, South Dakota seen below. As the storm began to congeal into a line, the tornado threat decreased, and straight-line winds became the main threat.
Straight line winds
As the line of storms began to form, a bowing pattern could be seen on radar. When a line of storms began to bow, winds began increasing. The line continued to hold together, pushing through the northern plains and into the Midwest. This left a large swath of damaging winds for over 650 miles. Here is the timeline below.
Past derechos
Derechos in the past have been known to have caused plenty of damage in the past. Most notably, here in Houston, a derecho last caused numerous outages and plenty of damage downtown. Another derecho back in 2020 occurred in Iowa, producing wind gusts up to 140mph destroying numerous crops. So, when a potential derecho is forecasted, make sure to have plans to find shelter. As always, stay safe out there!
Here’s what happened when a derecho hit Houston: