It Was a Derecho...

A word you don't hear often in meteorology is DERECHO, which by definition is a line/cluster of intense, widespread & fast moving storms that travel hundreds of miles causing extensive wind damage.

We had such a case last night.  In fact one might say we had TWO such cases as the first line, that originated in Texas, swept through after dark dumping 1-2+" of rain and causing some damage before 10 PM.  I've captured several radar images showing both lines.

These 2 views are from yesterday afternoon showing the first line coming out of Texas with the second line developing up in Missouri and Kansas.  The next 3 are from this morning.

You can see how the 2nd line blossomed  and spread all the way from Missouri down to off the TX/LA coasts in just 12 hours.   There is a strong upper disturbance near St. Louis that has helped drive these storms into the Gulf, but I'm surprised at how far south they have dipped.

Our rains should be ending by the noon hour, but we probably won't see much sunshine until after 4 pm.   Enjoy the cooler and drier air that will filter in for the next several days.  I have another post late today.  Remember, your new board game word of the day...DERECHO!  (der-ray'-cho)   Stay tuned!