A derecho (/dəˈɹeɪ.t͡ʃoʊ/ ⓘ, from Spanish: derecho [deˈɾetʃo], 'straight') [1] is a widespread, long-lived, straight-line wind storm that is associated with a fast-moving complex of severe thunderstorms …

But instead of spiraling like a tornado or hurricane, the winds of a derecho move in straight lines. That’s where the storm gets its name; the word derecho means “straight ahead” in Spanish.

Jul 28, 2025 · To be called a derecho, the thunderstorm-generated high winds and wind damage should cover a distance of at least 250 miles long and produce at least a handful of 74+ mph wind gusts, …

Aug 26, 2025 · A derecho is a widespread wind event that can cause significant damage for hundreds of miles. They're most common May through August, and they can be deadly. Here, learn how a …

Jun 8, 2025 · AccuWeather’s Bernie Rayno explains what a derecho is. While clusters of thunderstorms are a regular feature of late spring and summer, only a small fraction reach the intensity, scale, and...

Jul 10, 2025 · Derecho is a term weather-watchers like to throw around a lot in the summer. But what is it? It’s a take on the Spanish word derecho which can mean straight ahead. A derecho in …

Derecho, 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 …

Jul 28, 2025 · What is a derecho? A derecho is a widespread windstorm often accompanied by rain or thunderstorms—and capable of producing destruction that rivals the strength of tornadoes.

Aug 5, 2025 · Learn about the updated 2025 derecho definition, including new criteria like hurricane-force gusts, storm length, and what qualifies a storm as a true derecho.

Jul 28, 2025 · The term derecho was coined in 1888 by University of Iowa physics professor Gustavus Hinrichs, according to NOAA. The word is Spanish for "direct" or "straight."