WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Storms wreaked havoc across Kansas Sunday night, leaving behind a trail of destruction with powerful winds, large hail, and tornadoes.
The Impact of the Storms
Meteorologist Haylen Wilhite from Storm Team 12 highlighted the intensity of the storm’s gusts, emphasizing the significant damage caused by the severe weather.
On Sunday evening, a series of severe storms swept through the state, generating hurricane-force winds, hail as large as baseballs, and several tornadoes. This cluster of storms is classified as a derecho.
Understanding Derechos
Derechos are expansive, prolonged wind storms associated with a line of swiftly moving thunderstorms. They can result in damage akin to tornadoes, typically manifesting as straight-line wind damage along a relatively linear path.
For a storm system to qualify as a derecho, its swath of wind damage must extend over 240 miles, with sustained wind gusts exceeding 58 mph.
The Scale of the Event
The storm system traversed more than 400 miles across Kansas, originating in the southwest and concluding in northwest Missouri. Reports documented over six hours of continual wind gusts ranging from 60 to 100 mph.
Rarity of Derechos in Kansas
Derechos are infrequent phenomena in Kansas, making their occurrence noteworthy. Climatological data indicates that the state experiences approximately one derecho every 1-2 years, with occurrences concentrated in south central and southeast Kansas, happening about once annually.
Moreover, around 70% of derechos in the region occur between May and July, underscoring the seasonality of these weather events.
Conclusion: Assessing the Impact
The recent derecho underscores the unpredictable nature of severe weather in Kansas, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and vigilance in the face of such events. As communities recover from the aftermath of the storms, resilience and solidarity become paramount.
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