Storms on Lake Ouachita

 Lake Ouachita thunderstorms can get on you fast and can
 create microburst winds, waterspouts and lighting.

 Microbursts 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.

	Click to Enlarge
	Lake Ouachita  Waterspout

If you are caught outside during a thunderstormt
(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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