Derecho
A derecho is a widespread, long-lived, fast-moving windstorm from a band of thunderstorms, causing damage in a straight line rather than a rotating one.
Full definition of Derecho →:: COMPARE ::
DerechovsTornado
The short answer
Named as opposites in the same language: derecho means 'straight', and tornado was long read as coming from tornar, 'to turn'. Both can flatten a treeline; only the debris field tells you which one did it — rotating damage falls in a converging pattern, straight-line damage all points one way.
Side by side
| Aspect | Derecho | Tornado |
|---|---|---|
| Motion | Straight | Rotating |
| Damage pattern | All one direction | Converging |
| Scale | 250+ miles | Localised |
| Spanish root | Straight | Read as 'to turn' |
What each one means
Tornado
The contrast above sets out how Tornado differs from Derecho on the points that actually matter.