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.

Jan 30, 2026 · 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 …

Jul 28, 2025 · One severe thunderstorm is capable of producing strong winds. But when they team up in summer, they can produce widespread wind damage and power outages for hundreds of miles. …

Feb 27, 2023 · A derecho is a significant, potentially destructive weather event that is characterized as having widespread, long-lived, straight-line winds associated with a fast-moving group of severe ...

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 …

Jun 15, 2020 · Derechos occur mainly across the central and eastern U.S., where many locations are affected one to two times per year on average. They can produce significant damage to structures …

2 days ago · A derecho (pronounced similar to "deh-REY-cho") is a widespread, long-lived wind storm that is associated with a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms.