image creditA derecho is a widespread, straight-line windstorm that is associated with a fast-moving band of severe thunderstorms. Generally, derechos are convection-induced, forming in an area of wind divergence in the upper levels of the troposphere, within a region of low-level warm air advection and rich low-level moisture.
Derechos travel quickly in the direction of movement of their associated storms, similar to an outflow boundary, except that the wind is sustained and increases in strength behind the front, generally exceeding hurricane-force.
