Hitting the sea for some fun on the boat can be a great way to spend a lazy afternoon. However, unpredictable weather can turn happy times into harrowing ones. Thankfully, monitoring the weather and knowing when you're about to get into hot water can be done quite easily, especially with a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Weather Radio, which will keep you up to date on all weather conditions while you're out sailing or even on land. To help you better understand what might be facing the next time you take to the sea, here's a rundown of the NOAA warnings and what each means.
· Small Craft Advisory: This is a warning sent out to those in smaller vessels informing them that current, developing or forecasted conditions could prove hazardous to smaller boats. Typically, this warning means winds are moving at roughly 18 knots (5 knots = 5.8 miles per hour) and there might be hazardous wave conditions.
· Gale Warning: This means winds are moving roughly between 34 to 47 knots or there are tropical cyclones traveling 34 to 63 knots.
· Storm Warning: This means winds are moving at least 48 knots, but could exceed that speed.
· Hurricane Watch: NOAA weather radios are not solely for use on boats. These radios are good for coastal residents as well, especially those who could be susceptible to damaging storms. A Hurricane Watch indicates that the storm is close enough that everyone in the area covered by the watch should be listening to their radios for updates and be preparing to take precautionary measures.
· Hurricane Warning: If a Hurricane Warning is issued, this means that winds of 64 knots and above are expected. Once this is issued, the precautionary measures you were planning during the Hurricane Watch should be put into effect.
· Special Marine Warning: This is issued when a severe local storm or brief, yet strong wind is imminent and has not been forewarned. These can be received when at sea by having your radio tuned to an NOAA Weather Station or any commercial stations that provide marine weather information.