I came across this warning today of a Tropical Storm (Hermine) that is anticipated to hit
Florida soon and expected it may reach
Hurricane force winds before making landfall.
The key points is the anticipation of not only high winds, but also heavy rainfall of up to 10 inches of rain, which can cause widespread flooding, possibly all the way up to the Carolinas and along the Eastern Seaboard.
Why is that an issue?
Because it could sink some
boats, according to the BoatUS article.
"It Doesn’t Take a
Hurricane to Sink a
Boat
BoatUS: Tips for Preparing for Tropical Depression Nine
As Tropical Depression Nine begins its abrupt change in course that will steer the storm ashore late Thursday, boaters in the Big Bend region of
Florida may be thinking they dodged the bullet. However,
Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) says TD Nine, expected to grow into tropical storm status today, will bring heavy rains across much of the state. The National Hurricane Center forecasts up to 10 inches for the Cross City, Florida, area, and up to five inches is expected to fall as far north as Savannah,
Georgia – more than enough to sink a boat that is not prepared for the torrential downpour.
BoatUS
Seaworthy Magazine Editor Charles Fort says, “Boat
cockpit deck drains are often woefully inadequate and a deluge can fill the
cockpit and sink the boat. If the cockpit is not watertight, a
bilge pump and battery’s ability to handle rain accumulation won’t last long.
Deck drains and
pump discharges located near the waterline can also backflow when waves and rain put drains underwater.”
For
boats kept in the
water, Fort recommends a good fitting cover, or at least ensuring rain can easily drain off the boat, including clearing any deck scuppers or drains of leaves.
Batteries should be charged and the boat made as watertight as possible. Removing windage such as
sails,
bimini tops and deck furniture is also a good idea as winds are forecasted to increase."
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