Forecasting 101: Derechos

Some of you might have heard last week the meteorologists call the approaching storms Derechos. I figure that most of you have never heard this word in your life before, so I thought I would break it down for you.

A Derecho is a strong straight line wind event common associated with a "Bow Echo" or a line of thunderstorms. Now when I say strong winds, I am talking upwards of 100 mph gust. In last weeks derecho event there was a report of 91 mph gust in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and a report of 81 mph gust in Tuckerton, New Jersey. Last week's derecho was a "Super Derecho" Event, because of the widespread area that it covered.  Most Derecho events hit the southern plain states. In fact, the Mid Atlantic states see a derecho event about every four years.  Pictured below is the Derecho event from last week. As you can see the intense bow echo progressed over Virgina and through the DC area.




Photo/ Info From:
accuweather.com