Diving Weather - Probable Blue Heron Bridge Microburst

[RickI]

Diving is a weather dependent sport, even at Blue Heron Bridge and more than we might have thought. Time to tune into wx a bit more closely, things like hazardous weather forecasts, radar, etc.. There is some weather you don't want to be out in particularly on such a violent weather day. There is wind, lightning, lots may remember the guy struck in the water by the boat in Deerfield some years back. Many boats have been struck and disabled to varying degrees. I hope everyone in this clip is ok. It looks like they were hit by a wet microburst, a fairly common weather phenomena which can impact a limited area with winds over 140 mph at times. It wasn't that strong this time of course. Filmed by a lifeguard under the bridge as guys ran for cover while being knocked over by a flying kayak. https://www.facebook.com/100033372311223/videos/159732321815844/

 

[GR8FUL]

Holy #$@#$! Thx for posting, that was a good & timely reminder for those like me that at times are overly-lackadaisical about the weather.

 

[RickI]

Sure thing, I posted this on FB providing some ideas on how to stay more plugged into weather. Did anyone notice the video clips around Martha’s Vineyard from a few days ago? White water horizontal rain sailboats at moorings seemingly about to sink? There was a tornado in that area as well but again it potentially looked like a microburst to me. Most of us have smart phones and it’s easy to sign up for apps that will send you automatic alerts about lightning and other dangerous storm activity. I can be out of the area even out of the country and I still get them. Storm radar gives good alerts, https://apps.apple.com/.../storm-weather.../id1216396545 . I always check the Nws site for hazard warnings and other specifics. https://www.weather.gov/mfl/ It doesn't take very long, is usually interesting and it might even save you some inconvenience or worse.

 

[RickI]

The accident involving the diver struck and killed by lightning in the water by his boat off Deerfield happened way back in 2007. It seemed more recent. We really need to pay attention to weather. Far more people are stuck and killed above the water while near it or otherwise. http://www.fksa.org/showthread.php?t=4365