This results in extreme wind gusts of 150-250 km/h, often with vortices (gustnadoes), but without the rotating trunk of a tornado.
Downdrafts cause widespread damage over an area of hundreds of meters to kilometers, such as fallen trees, damaged buildings, and injuries, and are often confused with tornadoes.
Origin and characteristics: The wind is generated by temperature differences (e.g., a >10°C drop after a storm) and occurs in 'bow echo' squall lines.
They are rare in the Netherlands but are increasing due to climate change, with damage in one direction instead of a narrow track.
Well-known examples in the Netherlands: Leersum (June 18, 2021):
Most severe recent event; 9 injured, 100+ houses damaged, 730 hectares of forest destroyed, total damage €13.3 million.
Winterswijk (July 2, 2025): Major chaos with trees and roofs blown off by a drop of 37→21°C.
Vethuizen (July 14, 2010): 2 dead at a campsite in Achterhoek.
Meppel (August 24, 2024): Trees fell like matchsticks; buildings were damaged.
Historical: Borculo (1925) with possible gustnadoes.
Downwinds are difficult to predict and dangerous for traffic and aviation; inspection distinguishes them from tornadoes based on the damage track.
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