Derecho blamed for deadly disaster in Houston, Texas

National Weather Service meteorologists say a derecho was the cause of a deadly disaster yesterday in Houston, Texas, that cost seven lives and billions of dollars in damage.

According to the National Weather Service, a derecho (pronounced similar to “deh-REY-cho”) is a widespread, long-lasting wind storm associated with a band of fast-moving showers or thunderstorms. Although a derecho can produce destruction similar to the strength of tornadoes, the damage is usually directed in one direction along a relatively straight band. As a result, the term “straight-line wind damage” is sometimes used to describe derecho damage. By definition, if the wind damage band extends more than 240 miles and includes wind gusts of at least 58 mph (93 km/h) or greater for most of its length, then the he event can be classified as a derecho.

The National Weather Service office in Houston said there were straight-line winds reaching 100 mph distributed throughout downtown Houston. They also said straight-line winds near Baytown and the Galena Park area were measured between 90 and 100 mph. A tornado rated EF-1 also touched down near Cypress; this tornado had winds estimated at 110 mph.

The windstorm that flattened power lines outside Houston and blew out many of the city’s windows has claimed the lives of seven people. Houston authorities said fallen trees were responsible for 2 deaths, a crane accident was responsible, 1 was killed while trying to move a live utility pole, and another was killed after that lightning struck and ignited the trailer she was in. another victim lost his life trying to feed his portable oxygen tank.

Today, Houston Mayor John Whitmire signed a declaration proclaiming a local state of disaster for the City of Houston. This paves the way for additional authorities and resources from state and federal partners to aid storm recovery across the city.