A derecho isn’t your average thunderstorm. While it may look like a cluster of severe storms, what sets it apart is its sheer size, speed, and destructive reach.

The term “derecho” comes from the Spanish word for “straight,” a nod to the powerful, straight-line winds that define this phenomenon. In contrast, “tornado” comes from the Spanish word meaning “to turn,” highlighting the key difference in wind behavior.

Derechos are often called “inland hurricanes” for good reason — they unleash hurricane-force winds, torrential rain, and widespread destruction. However, the two types of extreme weather form in very different ways. While a derecho may look like an inland hurricane on radar and satellite images, and seem like the same in person with its combination of strong winds and torrential

See Full Page