Public Information Statement
Statement as of 6:48 am EDT on May 23, 2013
The National Weather Service and the National safe boating Council,
have partnered for National safe boating week from may 18 to may 24.
This week will highlight relevant weather... and safety specific
public service announcements... for the recreational boating public.
Today's topic is thunderstorm safety.
Thunderstorms can be a mariners worst nightmare. They can develop
quickly and create dangerous wind and wave conditions. Thunderstorms
can bring shifting and gusty winds... lightning... waterspouts... and
torrential downpours which can turn a days pleasure into a nightmare
of distress.
There are no specific warnings or advisories for lightning but all
thunderstorms produce lightning. A lightning strike to a vessel can
be catastrophic... especially if it results in a fire or loss of
electronics. If your boat has a cabin... then stay inside and avoid
touching metal or electrical devices. If your boat does not have a
cabin... stay as low as you can in the boat.
Boaters should use extra caution when thunderstorm conditions exist and
have a plan of escape. Mariners are especially vulnerable as at times they
may unable to reach port quickly. It is therefore strongly recommended you
do not venture out if thunderstorms are a possibility. If you do
venture out and recognize thunderstorms nearby... head to port or
safe shelter as quickly as possible. Ultimately... boating safety
begins ashore with planning and training. Keep in mind that
thunderstorms are usually brief so waiting it out is better than
riding it out.
To learn more... visit the National safe boating Council online, at
www.Safeboatingcouncil.Org.
Visit the National Weather Service Wilmington at
www.Weather.Gov/ilm.
There are no active warnings for this location at this time.
