“Derecho”

The storm and wind that ran through the area on Sunday has an official name. Many call the high velocity horizontal winds “straight-line winds” but the proper term is “derecho”.

“A derecho (pronounced “deh-REY-cho) is a widespread, long-lived wind storm that is associated with a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms. Although a derecho can produce destruction similar to that of tornadoes, the damage typically is directed in one direction along a relatively straight swath. As a result, the term ‘straight-line wind damage’ sometimes is used to describe derecho damage. By definition, if the wind damage swath extends more than 240 miles … and includes wind gusts of at least 58 mph … or greater along most of its length, then the event may be classified as a derecho. ”

The area receives at least one derecho a year and can usually be associated with damage without tornadoes.

In another blow to a devastating season, the Sunday evening storm laid over acres of brittle corn in a triangular area between Jasper, Ireland and Huntingburg. Area crop insurance agents have not received many claims for the lost corn at this time, but may have more by the end of the week.

Area businesses and trees also sustained damage through the derecho, Jasper Engine and Transmissions’ Flag was ripped in half and the Southgate Shopping Center Sign was bent at a dangerous angle.

The shopping center’s sign is a concern due to the poor condition it is in now but an Evansville sign company has been contracted to repair it.

Thanks to the Evansville Courier and Press and NPR for the information about derechoes.

Here is the NPR story on Derecho.