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PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
600 AM EDT FRI MAY 24 2024

...This is National Safe Boating Week...

Weather can make your time on the water wonderful or deadly. It is
vital to know how to respond to fog, thunderstorms, rapid wind
shifts and other dangerous weather.

Thunderstorms:

Thunderstorms can be a mariner`s 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 day`s pleasure into a
nightmare of distress.

There are no specific warnings or advisories for lightning but all
thunderstorms produce lightning. NWS NY does issue marine weather
statements to alert of any thunderstorms approaching, developing, or
moving over our nearshore waters. 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, stay inside and avoid
touching metal or electrical devices. If your boat doesn`t 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
because you may be unable to reach port quickly. 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.

This concludes National Safe Boating Week.

$$