Derecho facts for kids
Derechos are powerful and widespread groups of severe thunderstorms. The word "derecho" means "straight" in Spanish. This is because they form a straight line of storms. They often move very fast. On radar, they look like a "bow echo" (a bow shape). Derechos have very strong winds, sometimes over 100 miles per hour! Unlike regular thunderstorms, derechos hit suddenly. They bring strong, hurricane-force winds. They also cause heavy rain and lots of lightning. A derecho can cause a lot of damage in a short time. These storms happen most often in North America. However, they can also occur in other parts of the world.
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What is a Derecho?
A derecho is a special type of thunderstorm system. It creates strong winds that spread out over a wide area. These winds travel in a straight line. This is different from a tornado, which has spinning winds. Derechos can cause as much damage as a weak hurricane or tornado. They are very dangerous because they cover a large area.
How Do Derechos Form?
Derechos form from groups of thunderstorms. These storms grow very tall and strong. They create powerful downdrafts, which are winds rushing down to the ground. When these downdrafts hit the ground, they spread out. This creates a line of very strong, straight-line winds. These winds can travel for hundreds of miles.
What Does a Derecho Look Like?
On radar, a derecho often looks like a "bow echo". This means the line of storms bends into a bow or arc shape. This shape shows where the strongest winds are. From the ground, you might see a scary-looking shelf cloud. This cloud is low and dark, at the front of the storm. It looks like a shelf or wedge.
How Fast Do Derechos Move?
Derechos can move very quickly. They often travel at speeds of 50 to 70 miles per hour. Sometimes, they can move even faster. This rapid speed means they can cover a lot of ground quickly. They can surprise people who are not ready for them.
What Damage Can Derechos Cause?
Derechos are known for causing widespread damage. Their strong winds can knock down many trees. They can also damage buildings and power lines. Sometimes, entire barns or homes can be destroyed. The damage often looks like it was caused by a tornado. However, it covers a much larger area.
Why Are Derechos So Dangerous?
Derechos are dangerous for several reasons:
- Sudden impact: They often hit without much warning.
- Widespread damage: They affect large areas, not just small spots.
- Strong winds: Winds can be over 100 mph, like a hurricane.
- Power outages: They can cause long-lasting power cuts.
- Flying debris: Strong winds can turn everyday objects into dangerous missiles.
Where Do Derechos Happen?
Derechos are most common in North America. They often occur in the central and eastern United States. They are also seen in parts of Canada. However, they can happen in other places too. For example, derechos have been recorded in Europe and other continents. They usually happen in the warmer months, from spring to late summer.
Images for kids
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A shelf cloud along the leading edge of a derecho in Minnesota
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Development of derechos
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Composite radar image of the June 2012 North American derecho (a progressive derecho) as it moved from Indiana to Virginia
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A typical multi-bow serial derecho
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A typical progressive derecho
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This image shows derecho frequency for the lower 48 United States
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Damage to the Väike-Maarja Church in Estonia after the derecho hit on 8 August 2010
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Trees felled by downbursts in the Boundary Waters – Canadian derecho of 1999
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Barn in Mount Solon, Virginia, destroyed by June 2012 North American derecho
See also
In Spanish: Derecho (meteorología) para niños
