A Derecho!
 

With all the weather in the midwest so far this Spring, there is a lot of talk about a Derecho....

Just curious, anyone ever run into one of these or see one during your career flying? I have seen a lot of buildups but never one of these. Would sure hate to get near one :eek:

All I know is that they are very rare, but probably the scariest thing you will ever see as a pilot, but at the same time, perhaps the most beautiful.

As you might know, "derecho" means "straight". So the best thing to do in that situation is to go the opposite direction. :)

http://www.spc.noaa.gov/misc/AbtDere...igh-map500.jpg

The approximate number of times "moderate and high intensity" (MH) derechos affected points in the United States during the years 1980 through 2001. Areas affected by 3 or more derecho events are shaded in yellow, orange, and red. (modified from Coniglio and Stensrud 2004).

No doubt - I would turn anyway but towards it. I have been reading about this because it has been in the news lately due to hitting the midwest recently. I have never seen one in person. Looking at the speed of these and the wind velocities reported it would be something to stay very clear of.

Wonder what the weather radar would show?

Can you imagine getting caught in one of those things? Talk about "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride!!!!:eek:


atp

You wouldn't last long to really think about it I think. :p

That is what I first thought. But then after reading about these things, I imagine you would really be looking at extreme turbulence at best. And that means hold on a hope the thing actually stays together. I suspect the flight controls wouldn't be able to help you a whole lot even if you did stay together. I fly the 320, but Airbus, Boeing or Cesna, I think you would be toast!

Still .... wonder what it looks like on the radar. Also, I wonder how far in front of the thing you would be hitting some pretty rough air. I read that they can travel at up to 70 MPH, so you wouldn't want to turn too close if you know what I mean!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...Radar_Loop.gif

Radar loop of the derecho crossing Lower Michigan on May 31, 1998 (NWS Detroit)

WOW! Now that is truly awesome! :eek:

It's like that knight from Monty Python yelling "NONE SHALL PASS"