How fast are derecho winds?

A Derecho is a very long lived and damaging thunderstorm. A storm is classified as a derecho if wind damage swath extends more than 240 miles and has wind gusts of at least 58 mph or greater along most of the length of the storm's path.

How fast does a derecho move?

Derechos (pronounced like “deh-REY-chos”) are fast-moving bands of thunderstorms with destructive winds. The winds of a derecho travel at least 58 miles per hour and have been recorded as fast as 130 miles per hour. That's as fast as some tornados!

How fast were the winds in the Iowa derecho?

The highest winds occurred in Iowa, measured at 126 mph (203 km/h; 56.3 m/s) and highest estimated from post-event damage surveys at 140 mph (225 km/h; 62.6 m/s).

What was the highest wind speed in the derecho?

In Kansas, Russell gusted to 100 mph, Garden City and Dodge City to 84 mph, Goodland to 81 mph and Colby to 68 mph. The gust in Dodge City was its highest on record. Winds associated with the derecho peaked between 80 and 100 mph in Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa, with gusts over 70 mph in Missouri, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Is a derecho stronger than a hurricane?

Derechos can pack lethal gusts in excess of 100 mph – hurricane strength – across a front stretching for many miles, and last for hours. Storms that have sustained winds of at least 58 mph and leave a path of damage at least 250 miles long qualify as derechos, according to the National Weather Service.

Cedar Rapids Derecho Live Camera Aug 10, 2020

What was the worst derecho ever?

The June 2012 Mid-Atlantic and Midwest derecho was one of the deadliest and most destructive fast-moving severe thunderstorm complexes in North American history.

What was the strongest derecho?

In 2020 that record was broken with a gust of 126 mph recorded in Atkins. The Iowa Derecho is among the strongest across the country on record. The highest wind speed in a derecho was recorded in Utah, which was likely aided by the mountains in the region.

When was the last derecho in the US?

aka "Heartland Derecho", A severe weather event which took place from August 10–11, 2020 across the Midwestern United States and portions of southwestern Ontario.

How strong is 140 mph winds?

Potential for Extreme Impact: An extreme threat to life and property. Hurricane winds 110 to 130 mph gusts 140+ mph: Catastrophic damage expected to man-made and natural structures. Well constructed homes will have substantial damage to roof and walls.

What are 100 mph winds called?

Wind Resources

Straight line winds are thunderstorm winds that have no rotation, i.e. not a tornado. Downbursts are a common cause of wind damage from a thunderstorm. They can reach over 100 mph and are caused by air being dragged down by precipitation.

How strong can a derecho get?

How strong are derecho winds? By definition, a derecho must include wind gusts of at least 58 mph (50 knots or 93 km/h) or greater along most of its length. While derecho winds typically are less than 100 mph, gusts as high as 130 mph have been recorded --- equivalent to those with strong EF2 tornadoes.

What can 60 mph winds do?

Winds ranging from 55-63 mph are classed as storm winds, and these often result in significant structural damage to a building as well as the uprooting of trees. A strong storm is classed between 64-73 mph and is associated to extended damage to structures and the surrounding environment.

How often do derechos happen?

The occurrence of derechos is divided into two seasons; the "warm" season which is May, June, July and August. 70% of all derechos occur during these four months. The remaining eight month comprise the "cool" season. Percent occurrences of derechos by month.

Are derechos becoming more common?

Whether such strong derechos might become more, or less, common due to climate change is difficult to say, however. Some anticipated effects of climate change, such as warming at the planet's surface, could increase the likelihood of more and stronger derechos by increasing atmospheric instability.

How long does a derecho last?

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) criterion, a derecho is classified as a band of storms that have winds of at least 25 m/s (50 kn) along the entire span of the storm front, maintained over a time span of at least six hours.

How many derechos are in Iowa?

A total of 13 derechos have been recorded in Iowa since 1980, Glisan said. "To have derechos within two years of this intensity" is rare, he confirmed. Last August's derecho traveled 770 miles as straight-line winds decimated crops and shattered homes in Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

How strong are derecho winds in Iowa?

The 2020 derecho was stronger than the Dec. 15 event, producing peak wind gusts around 140 mph.

Do derechos happen in Canada?

COMPARISON TO PAST DERECHOS

Derechos are among the most destructive weather events that Canada can experience. While the wind intensity cannot equal a strong to violent tornado, the expanse of area affected is orders of magnitude greater, often resulting in greater overall impact than tornado events.

What is the difference between a derecho and a tornado?

What's the difference between a derecho and tornadoes? According to NOAA, tornadoes are cyclonic and usually are tightly packed. A derecho, on the other hand, is a straight-line windstorm. A derecho may produce tornadoes.

What are 70 mph winds like?

55-63 Mph 89-102 kph 48-55 knots Whole Gale or Storm Trees are broken or uprooted, building damage is considerable. Large waves (6-9 meters), overhanging crests, sea becomes white with foam, heavy rolling, reduced visibility. 64-72 Mph 103- 117 kph 56-63 knots Violent Storm Extensive widespread damage.

Where is a derecho most likely to happen?

During the cool season (September through April), derechos are relatively infrequent but are most likely to occur from east Texas into the southeastern states.

Is a derecho a land hurricane?

derecho, also called land hurricane, windstorm traveling in a straight line characterized by gusts in excess of 93 km (58 miles) per hour and the production of a swath of wind-generated damage along a front spanning more than 400 km (250 miles) in length.

Does Florida get derechos?

The squall line produced a serial derecho as it swept across the Florida peninsula, Cuba, and adjacent waters. The squall line reached the northern part of Florida's west coast and western Cuba between 11 p.m. and midnight (EST) on the evening of the 12th.

What are the different types of derechos?

Derechos can be categorized into three main types; serial, progressive, and hybrid. These categories are largely based on the overall organization and behavior of the thunderstorms producing the derecho. The type of derecho most often encountered during the spring and fall is called a serial derecho.