Hurricane Strength Winds in Colorado Make History as First Ever Derecho Winds
Destructive, high powered winds whipped across Colorado yesterday, in some spots reaching over 100 mph.
The winds were categorized as derecho winds. According to the American Meteorological Society a derecho must be at least 60 miles wide and travel for a distance of roughly 400 miles or longer. Although some in the field of meteorology say the distance only needs to be around 250 miles or greater.
This is the first time in recorded history that a derecho wind has formed west of the Rockies.
Winds near Winter Park Ski Area approached the strength of a Category 3 hurricane. The winds left a path of destruction across Colorado, knocking over trees, power lines, and billboards.
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