MessageToEagle.com – A derecho is a widespread, long-lived wind storm associated with rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms. It’s powerful and dangerous.
Its winds are at least 58 mph (50 knots or 93 km/h) or greater along most of its length. While derecho winds typically are less than 100 mph, gusts as high as 130 mph have been recorded.
Most derechos span at least 50 miles (80 km) in width.
The word “derecho” was coined by Dr. Gustavus Hinrichs, a physics professor at the University of Iowa in 1888. “Derecho” is a Spanish word meaning “direct” or “straight ahead.”
See also: El Niño And Its Effects On The Planet
Those outdoors are most at risk in a derecho. Campers or hikers in forested areas are vulnerable to being injured or killed by falling trees, and people at sea risk injury or drowning from storm winds and waves that can overturn boats. Occupants of cars and trucks also are vulnerable to falling trees and utility poles.
High profile vehicles such as semi-trailer trucks, buses, and sport utility vehicles may be blown over. Even those indoors may be at risk for death or injury. Mobile homes, in particular, may be overturned or destroyed, while barns and similar buildings can collapse.
At outside events such as fairs and festivals, people may be killed or injured by collapsing temporary structures and flying debris.
However, a derecho rarely occurs without warning.
MessageToEagle.com
source: SPC NOAA