Thunderstorms

[West Basin]

Just like on land, it's the size and intensity of a thunderstorm that matters. A small localized storm is different than a thick long thunderstorms front. As always, check the forecast, and if storms are forecast, keep an eye on the horizon and check you phone or radar every half hour. I've been out in all of it. Sat it out and motored around small localized thunderstorms. Ducked behind Islands for some larger localized and small front storms. Ran in just ahead of a few bigger fronts. With today's ability to check weather almost constantly, there is no reason to get "stuck" out on the Lake during a major thunderstorm front.

One thing to learn is sometimes a localized storm can form either on the Lake or along the shore. It won't move in from the north, west, or southwest. You'll often see a "haze" on the horizon in the direction of the developing storm. You can see the upper air start to form clouds, then get gray. Sometimes you'll feel downdrafts of cooler air, or static electricity in the air (your hair stands up or your line makes an arc in the air and hangs there for a few seconds when you cast). I've heard my radio antenna "buzz". The trick is to learn what this looks like in the early stages. Once you notice this, if it's either in the direction of any prevailing wind, over top of you, or in the direction you need to head to get to your ramp, pack up and get going BEFORE the clouds start to get gray. I've seen these storms form in 30 minutes. Clear or mostly clear with clouds around or small storms in the area. You know the potential is there. Then it starts, the conditions I mentioned above. Sometimes it can develop rapidly. Next thing you know, the storm is near fully formed and you are caught. Sometimes it's a small localized thunderstorm, a few square miles in size. It forms, then rain and wind, then it dissipates. Other times it keeps developing into a larger storm, lasts a lot longer. Often other similar storms will form nearby. If in doubt, head in. When these conditions exist, just because the radar is currently clear in the prevailing wind direction doesn't mean another storm won't form.

Be smart and observant. That's the best policy. "Keep an eye on the sky, because the Legend of the Lake says the Lake has got it's eye on you." - Pat Daily song.