Which means "to turn." Because "derecho" is of Spanish origin, the plural form is spelled "derechos " Is thought to have been derived from the Spanish word "tornar," Here to hear a pronunciation of the word "derecho"). "Derecho" is a Spanish word meaning "right," "direct," Meteorological Journal to distinguish thunderstorm-induced straight-line winds from the damaging, rotary winds of tornadoes. Hinrichs used the term in a paper published by the American Professor of physics at the University of Iowa. The word "derecho" was coined in 1888 by Dr. More physically-based - i.e., focused on the meteorological processes believed responsible for the production of
Introduced in 2016 that was intended to make the definition This requirement was added in a revised definition of "derecho" The derecho-producing convective system also should contain certain radar-observed storm features such as bow echoesĪnd rear-inflow jets (discussed below in Derecho-producing storms andĭerecho development). Is at least 60 miles (about 100 km) wide, includes wind gusts of at least 58 mph (93 km/h) along most of its length,Īnd also includes several, well-separated 75 mph (121 km/h) or greater gusts, the event may be classified as a derecho. By definition, if the swath of wind damage extends at least 400 miles (about 650 kilometers), As a result, the term "straight-line wind damage" is sometimes used toĭescribe derecho damage. Variously known as bow echoes, squall lines, or quasi-linear convective systems.Īlthough a derecho can produce destruction similar to that of a tornado, the damage typically occurs in one directionĪlong a relatively straight path. Derechos are associated with bands of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms Is available in The Derecho FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page.Ī derecho (pronounced similar to "deh-REY-cho" in English, Note: Some of the following information, in abbreviated, question-and-answer format,