10 MOST COMMON STORM TYPES - BLOG 1

2/7/2018 (Permalink)

There are many types of storms that we experience living in different parts of the country and thankfully not all States are burdened with each kind. 

This blog will touch on the Derecho Storms. 

A Derecho is a large series of storms following each other over a path of at least 240 miles with wind gusts of at least 58mph. Derechos are associated with bands of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms variously known as bow echoes, squall lines, or quasi-linear convective systems. Although a derecho can produce destruction similar to that of a tornado, the damage typically occurs in one direction along a relatively straight path. As a result, the term straight-line wind damage sometimes is used to describe derecho damage. 

Because Derechos are most common in the warm season, people who are involved in outdoor activities are especially at risk. Campers and hikers in forested areas are vulnerable to being injured or killed by falling trees, and those at sea risk injury or drowning from these storm winds and high waves that can overturn boats.

People driving cars and trucks also are vulnerable during these storms to falling trees and utility poles. High profile vehicles such as semi-trailer trucks, buses, and sport utility vehicles may be blown over as well. Outside events such as fairs and festivals, people may be killed or injured by collapsing tents and flying debris.                Mobile homes, in particular, may be overturned or destroyed, while barns and similar buildings can collapse. People inside homes, businesses, and schools are sometimes victims of falling trees and branches that crash through walls and roofs; they also may be injured by flying glass from broken windows. Finally, structural damage to the building itself can pose danger to those within. 

Because insufficient advanced notice is often not sufficient for one to take protective action these are considered one of the most dangerous of storms.