EEL Posted June 3, 2007 Share Posted June 3, 2007 A couple of weeks ago, Gary York mentioned how he and Peter B. were alerted to a thunderstorm by having their VHF radio monitor NOAA for weather alerts. This Sat. on Casco Bay near Jewell, the sky was gray and unpleasnt with one rather ominous and dark area. The cloud movement suggested it was heading our way and thunder was heard. About the same time, the VHF radio started beeping and then a NOAA weather alert indicated there was indeed a serious thunderstorm (as in 35+ Kts and mariners should seek immediate shelter in nearest harbor) in the area, but it was South and moving southeast from us. So we could breath easier and continue paddling, albeit in a GOOD mode. Did it make us safe, no. Did it give us some useful data to apply judgment to in order to be safer, yes. So if you have a VHF radio, learning how to set it up to provide automatic notification the local NOAA station weather alerts seems a prudent thing to this timid paddler. As an aside, learning by use where the mic is on the radio and how loudly you need to talk into it to put out a decent readable signal is worthwhile too as they are not cellphones. Ed Lawson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.