DERECHO

DERECHO. A derecho (pronounced similar to "deh-REY-cho") is a widespread, long-lived wind storm associated with a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms. Although a derecho can produce destruction similar to the strength of tornadoes, the damage typically is directed in one direction along a relatively straight path. As a result, the term "straight-line wind damage" sometimes is used to describe derecho damage. By definition, if the wind damage path extends more than 240 miles (about 400 kilometers) and includes wind gusts of at least 58 mph (93 km/h) or greater along most of its length, the event may be classified as a derecho. (1)

While only on the edge of a derecho on July 14, 2024, Dubuque suffered torrential rains and tree damage. It formed in the Des Moines area, where it produced a tornado that hit the northwest side of the metro, and picked up intensity as it moved eastward. The storm continued across Illinois and into Indiana where it eventually weakened. (2)

For a much more detailed account, see https://www.weather.gov/lmk/derecho.

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Source:

1. "Derecho," National Weather Service, Online: https://www.weather.gov/lmk/derecho

2. Barraza, Paris, "Storms Spawning a EF1 Tornado in Iowa on Monday were part of a Derecho," Online: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/weather/2024/07/16/derecho-des-moines-storms-in-iowa-monday-night-midwest-tornado/74422530007/