HOUSTON – Thursday’s deadly storm is now classified as a Derecho, a type of straight-line windstorm, according to the National Weather Service.
They’re confirming what KPRC 2 Chief Meteorologist Frank Billingsley predicted Friday morning.
Recommended Videos
RELATED: Here’s what hit Houston yesterday
Derecho definition from NOAA: A widespread, long-lived windstorm associated with a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms. If wind damage extends more than 240 miles and includes wind gusts of at least 58 mph or greater along most of the length.
The storm started north of Houston and ended to southeast of Houston. The KPRC 2 weather team is researching to see exactly where the derecho started.
Derechos are considered rare.
RELATED: EF-1 tornado touchdown confirmed in Cypress area during severe weather
Straight-line winds are often mistaken with tornadoes because of their dangerous and destructive nature. Unlike tornadoes, straight-line winds have no rotation.
In the Cypress area, the National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touchdown Thursday evening. Officials said the strength of the tornado was an EF-1 with winds at 110 mph.
RELATED: EF-1 tornado touchdown confirmed in Cypress area during severe weather
Houston Mayor John Whitmire told the city on Thursday night at least four people died due to the storm. A young mother of four is among the victims, police said. She tried moving her car so a tree wouldn’t fall on it, but tragically, a tree came down on top of her vehicle while she was inside.
WEATHER COVERAGE
LIVE power outage tracker: Here’s how to find out when your power might be back on in Houston
Q&A with CenterPoint Energy on mass power outages in Houston
Houston Mayor John Whitmire signs disaster declaration after devastating storms hit the Houston area
Trees, power lines down in Houston; Daylight illuminates how severe deadly storm truly was
One more round of storms in Houston; what’s to come next?
Here’s what you need to know before starting your generator during power outages across Houston area
‘We’re in recovery mode’: Storm kills at least 4, Houston mayor asks Houstonians to stay home
Mother killed by fallen tree in SE Houston near Buffalo Bayou during Thursday’s severe weather
