Lake Ouachita thunderstorms can get on you fast and can create microburst winds, waterspouts and lighting. Microburst can have winds of 60 - 100 mph which can capsize a large boat.
Water safety begins by staying informed. Staying off Lake Ouachita during stormy periods is the best prevention
from dangers of storms. Keep a radio that picks up weather broadcasts aboard your boat.
Don't get on the lake if bad weather is forecast.
If your on the lake get off.
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 Lake Ouachita Waterspout |
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If you are caught outside during a thunderstorm
(See Lake Ouachita thunderstorms for more information)
the
National Weather Service recommends these steps:
If you are in a boat with an anchor and there is no time to leave the water,
anchor the boat, get as low as possible.
If there is time get to the shore stay low.
If possible, get into a nearby structure or hard-top vehicle.
Soft-top
convertibles are not safe.
Make sure all doors are closed and windows rolled
up.
Do not touch any metal surfaces.
Stay inside the vehicle or structure until 30 minutes after you last hear
thunder.
Do not seek shelter under a partially enclosed building.
If no structure or vehicle is available, do not seek shelter under a tall
tree.
Avoid any tall, isolated object.
Lightning typically strikes the
tallest object.
Stay away from metal objects such as fences, poles and backpacks.
Metal is
an excellent conductor.
If you're in a group that can't find protection, stay at least 15 feet from
each other so the lightning won't travel between you if someone is hit.
Waterspouts are simply tornadoes on water.. Waterspouts form much differently.
Waterspouts can form beneath puffy
cumulus clouds without lightning or thunder.
Even though waterspouts are usually
weaker than tornadoes over land,
they can be a real danger to boaters.
Waterspouts tend to come from
clouds with a dark, flat bottom
when there is just the first hint of rain.
If one heads your way, try to escape
by going at right angles to its path.
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