What is a Derecho? - Weather News US - 30 Tornadoes & Straight Line Wind Event

[peaceandlove]

Recent weather news about a weather phenomenom I've never heard of...a Derecho!!!


2001 Photo of a Derecho from the ABC video clip towards bottom of post.


What is a Derecho? - Breaking Weather News US

May 05, 2009

by Gary Yates

Breaking Weather News - The Southern parts of the United States from Texas to Georgia and across the states in between Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana are being hit by a wall of storms including Tornado's and some very rare weather events.

Excerpt:

One such weather phenomenon known as a 'Derecho' has been hitting the south hard and can last for days. So be vigilant as this rare weather pattern is a killer.

A 'Derecho' is a wall of strong winds and intense thunder storms that can be up to 800 miles long and 250 miles wide. They push along winds of up to 80 miles per hour sometimes stronger and as I said can last for days; this has been happening in some parts of the south for the last two days so keep an eye on events.

I have placed in the images at the top of this page a couple of snaps of 'Derecho's' in action so you can see for yourself what you can expect if one is approaching.

Unlike a Tornado that spins vertically, these winds move horizontally; pushed to the ground by multiple down bursts of air, causing the intense winds and thunderstorms that they are associated with.

Complete article: http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...her.html?cat=8

Video (2:45): http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/play...26713&src=news



ABOUT DERECHOS




Part of the Storm Prediction Center, NCEP, NWS, NOAA Web Site
Prepared by Robert H. Johns and Jeffry S. Evans

Source: http://www.spc.noaa.gov/misc/AbtDere...rechofacts.htm



Derecho

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derecho

Derecho photographed in Minnesota (above photo with barn)

Excerpt:

A derecho (from Spanish: "derecho" meaning "straight") is a widespread and long-lived, violent convectively induced straight-line windstorm that is associated with a fast-moving band of severe thunderstorms in the form of a squall line usually taking the form of a bow echo. Derechos blow in the direction of movement of their associated storms, similar to a gust front, except that the wind is sustained and generally increases in strength behind the "gust" front. A warm weather phenomenon, derechos occur mostly in summer, especially June and July in the northern hemisphere. They can occur at any time of the year and occur as frequently at night as in the daylight hours.