A derecho is a cluster of thunderstorms that moves rapidly along a warm front (usually the outer edge of a high pressure dome), producing strong downdraft/outflow winds over a course of at least 250 miles. Yesterday, such a destructive weather system raced across Iowa and Northern Illinois before dipping southeastward through Indiana and Ohio.
The straight line winds, exceeding 100 mph is some areas, damaged homes, trees and outbuildings and caused widespread power outages. Raking the southern portion of Lake Michigan, they produced high waves and storm surge along the eastern shore, comparable to that of a category 2 hurricane.
Here in central Missouri, the system's trailing chain of thunderstorms brought gusty winds, intense lightning and torrential rain; Columbia received 2 inches of rain in 30 minutes, prompting a flash flood warning. Unfortunately, the derecho did not drag cool, Canadian air into our region; heat and high humidity persist and more thunderstorms are expected over the next few days.
The straight line winds, exceeding 100 mph is some areas, damaged homes, trees and outbuildings and caused widespread power outages. Raking the southern portion of Lake Michigan, they produced high waves and storm surge along the eastern shore, comparable to that of a category 2 hurricane.
Here in central Missouri, the system's trailing chain of thunderstorms brought gusty winds, intense lightning and torrential rain; Columbia received 2 inches of rain in 30 minutes, prompting a flash flood warning. Unfortunately, the derecho did not drag cool, Canadian air into our region; heat and high humidity persist and more thunderstorms are expected over the next few days.
