What is a derecho? A mesoscale convective system on August 10th, 2020 producing derecho winds. It’s a violent storm system that can produce widespread wind damage, usually associated with a rapidly moving band of … Formally, a derecho (pronounced "de-RAY-cho") is a widespread, convectively-induced straight-line wind storm composed of numerous downbursts produced by a group of thunderstorms. Winds of … Frequency of derecho events in the United States between 1980 and 2001. It differs from typical thunderstorm lines by its rapid speed of movement and the existence of highest wind speeds well behind the gust front, rather than at the gust front. Before I get into what they are, let’s discuss the current meteorological circumstances involving this derecho. Derechos are large clusters of thunderstorms that most commonly form in late spring and summer and cause widespread destruction to trees, power lines and sometimes structures. NOAA. For a more comprehensive view of derecho hazards, the "Noteworthy Event" page for the July 4-5, 1980 derecho lists the cause of death or injury for the 73 casualties of that event, providing a typical example of the risks to humans posed by derechos. A derecho often causes more damage than even a tornado because it can hover in one place and its high winds can affect a far larger area, Marsh said. A derecho (pronounced dare-ay-show) is a long-lived straight-line damaging wind event caused by a line of severe thunderstorms. On August 10th, 2020, a … This complex system was considered a derecho. According to the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center, a derecho is a severe wind storm that causes a path of wind damage of 250 miles or more and a damage width of 50 miles or more. Derecho is actually a Spanish word that, in this context, translates to "straight-ahead" or "direct." 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