While working in my backyard a few weeks ago, I was reminded of the power of lightning strikes.
To the southwest, a small black cloud was drifting along in an otherwise unintimidating sky. What happened next was scary. A bolt of lightning suddenly struck a neighbor's tree and split it down the middle. Thank goodness it didn't hit a person (me), or a house (mine).
According to a National Weather Service release, "Thunderstorms most likely to develop on spring and summer days, but can occur year-round. Strong winds, lightning strikes, and sharp drops in air temperature can change an otherwise placid day on the water into a frightful and dangerous experience."
Here are a few severe weather tips to consider before you go boating.
• Check the weather forecast before leaving the dock. The National Weather Service provides continuous updates. The outing should be reconsidered if the forecast calls for numerous and severe storms.
• Since the sound of thunder travels at the speed of one mile per five seconds, a lightning strike witnessed from afar is three miles away if it takes fifteen seconds to hear the thunder. Even if you miscalculate the number of seconds between the lightning and the boom, remember that thunder is seldom heard from more than five miles away. Upon hearing it, one should immediately seek shelter or take steps to safely ride out the storm.
• Don't wait for the first clap of thunder to seek safe harbor. Keep an eye on the southwestern sky, where most storms that affect Lake Norman will develop. Rising cumulonimbus (thunderhead) clouds are indications of developing storms. When the clouds begin to darken and become anvil-like in shape, a severe storm is already in progress and one should seek immediate safety.
• Sailboats and others made of wood or fiberglass are particularly vulnerable, since their profiles project above the water surface and act as lighting rods. In the event of an approaching storm, lower antennas, masts, outriggers and even graphite fishing rods; all are equally dangerous electrical conductors. Cease all fishing activity and stay off the radio. If it is not practical to return to shore, consider dropping anchor(s) and riding out the bad weather.
Tip from Capt. Gus
Thunderstorms are often first noticed by static crashes on an AM radio receiver. The louder and more frequent the interference, the closer you are to the storm.
Hot spots
Bass fishing is good to very good. Largemouth are holding close to shore, and large schools of spots can be found on dropoffs and deep brush piles. Stripers continue to feed aggressively at dawn, dusk and after dark. Best areas are Reeds, Rocky and Hicks creeks.
Lake level
The water level is currently 1.7 feet below full pond and holding. Water surface temperature is in the 60s and low 70s.
Fishing Gus
Gustafson
