derecho
noun
de·re·cho də-ˈrā-(ˌ)chō 
plural derechos
: a large fast-moving complex of thunderstorms with powerful straight-line winds that cause widespread destruction
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Two tornadoes, caused by a serial derecho moving at 60 to 70 mph across several states, were recorded in Wisconsin and wind gusts reached unprecedented marks in December. 
Christopher Kuhagen, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2021 On Tuesday, an intense and long-lived line of severe thunderstorms called a derecho charged across the northern Plains and Upper Midwest. Kathryn Prociv, NBC News, 6 July 2022 The National Weather Service confirmed that a derecho — an type of intense, long-lasting wind storm — barreled through much of the region, leaving thousands without power. Laura L. Davis, USA TODAY, 6 July 2022 More than 60 million people were under alerts for the heat, which helped fuel Tuesday’s derecho. Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 5 July 2022 The Weather Service also confirmed a derecho in Wayne and Holmes counties. Cliff Pinckard, cleveland, 15 June 2022 Another disaster is likely on the northern and northeastern edges of this heat dome: A derecho could form. Judson Jones, CNN, 13 June 2022 The event was, in some ways, reminiscent of the Iowa derecho of August 2020, the most costly thunderstorm disaster in U.S. history. Jason Samenow, Washington Post, 12 May 2022 One of the last major storms for northern Illinois was August’s derecho, which caused $11 billion in damage and was part of a record-breaking year for climate and weather disasters. Morgan Greene, chicagotribune.com, 12 Apr. 2021 See More
Christopher Kuhagen, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2021 On Tuesday, an intense and long-lived line of severe thunderstorms called a derecho charged across the northern Plains and Upper Midwest. Kathryn Prociv, NBC News, 6 July 2022 The National Weather Service confirmed that a derecho — an type of intense, long-lasting wind storm — barreled through much of the region, leaving thousands without power. Laura L. Davis, USA TODAY, 6 July 2022 More than 60 million people were under alerts for the heat, which helped fuel Tuesday’s derecho. Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 5 July 2022 The Weather Service also confirmed a derecho in Wayne and Holmes counties. Cliff Pinckard, cleveland, 15 June 2022 Another disaster is likely on the northern and northeastern edges of this heat dome: A derecho could form. Judson Jones, CNN, 13 June 2022 The event was, in some ways, reminiscent of the Iowa derecho of August 2020, the most costly thunderstorm disaster in U.S. history. Jason Samenow, Washington Post, 12 May 2022 One of the last major storms for northern Illinois was August’s derecho, which caused $11 billion in damage and was part of a record-breaking year for climate and weather disasters. Morgan Greene, chicagotribune.com, 12 Apr. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Spanish, straight (contrasted with tornado, taken to mean "turned"), from Latin directus — more at direct entry 1
First Known Use
1889, in the meaning defined above
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