Brace Yourself: Northern Illinois Faces Early Summer Derecho Threat

Experiencing strong summer storms is nothing new here in Illinois, but forecasters are saying something potentially more serious, a derecho, could slam the area much earlier this year.

What Is a Derecho?

Have you ever noticed one side of a street or neighborhood is completely trashed after a summer storm but the other side is just wet? The damage could have been caused by a derecho.

Not sure what a derecho is? Here's the explanation from the National Weather Service;

A derecho (pronounced similar to "deh-REY-cho") is a widespread, long-lived wind storm that is associated with a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms. Although a derecho can produce destruction similar to the strength of tornadoes, the damage typically is directed in one direction along a relatively straight swath.

If you've ever heard someone refer to damage being caused by "straight line winds" they were most likely talking about a derecho.

Derecho Season in Illinois

Typically the Midwest sees around two derechos each summer, (which usually happen at the end of the season), but forecasters warn this year's threat is ramping up much earlier than normal.

It may be darn near impossible to accurately predict where a derecho will take place, but there are a few things you can do to protect yourself in case one hits.

How to Stay Safe During a Derecho

I don't want to be a fear monger here, but the simple fact is derechos have caused more deaths than EF0 and EF1 tornadoes combined, primarily due to the strong, straight-line winds. Derechos can upturn vehicles, down trees, and collapse vulnerable buildings, so you need to practice the same safety precautions as you do during a tornado.

• Take shelter in the lowest level of your home and stay away from all windows and doors.
• If you get caught outdoors during a derecho, try to stay away from areas with a lot of trees and find a gutter or ditch to lie down in and cover your head.
• Prepare an emergency kit in case the power goes out for an extended amount of time.

Stay safe out there this summer!