Comparing Washington’s recent derechos

National Weather Service Weather Radar showing the June 29, 2012 derecho at 10:48 p.m. as it entered the metro area. The 2012 complex of storms and its swath of wind damage was much larger than the 2008 derecho event. Widespread damaging winds in excess of 70 mph raked across the entire region. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
This graphic shows the National Weather Service Weather Radar of the June 29, 2012 derecho compared with the June 4, 2008 derecho. The 2012 complex of storms and its swath of wind damage was much larger than the 2008 event. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
National Weather Service Weather Radar showing the June 4, 2008 derecho at 2:37 p.m. as it entered the western suburbs. The swirling "bookend" vortex west of Frederick, Md. was responsible for producing localized winds in excess of 100 mph. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
National Weather Service Weather Radar showing the June 4, 2008 derecho at 3:14 p.m. as it entered the metro area. Winds at National Airport gusted to 59 mph as the leading edge of the storms moved through. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
259503
(1/5)

Dave Dildine, wtop.com

WASHINGTON – The severe windstorm that roared southeast from the Great Lakes into the Mid-Atlantic in June was an extreme weather event for the Washington, D.C. metro area. The storm system left extensive tree damage in its wake and more than one million people were without power.

The storm complex was a “derecho.” Although the intensity of the June storms was exceptional, it’s happened before.

A derecho of similar speed and intensity struck the region the afternoon of June 4, 2008. Like June 2012’s windstorm, the

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up