Definitions Weather Information Small Craft Advisory: Observed or forecast Broadcasts winds of 20-33 knots or forecast seas 7 feet or greater for at least 2 hours. Small Craft NOAA Weather Radio in Georgia Advisories may also be issued for hazardous Americus 162.425 Eatonton 162.525 sea conditions or lower wind speeds that may Athens 162.400 LaGrange 162.450 affect small craft operations. Issued up to 12 Atlanta 162.550 Macon 162.475 Augusta 162.550 Pelham 162.550 hours ahead of conditions. (There is no legal Baxley 162.525 Sandersville 162.450 definition for the term small craft). Blue Ridge 162.475 Savannah 162.400

Gale Warning: Observed or forecast Brasstown Bald 162.500 Taylor’s Ridge 162.450 Buchanan 162.400 Thomaston 162.500 sustained surface winds of 34-47 knots, not Chatsworth 162.400 Valdosta 162.500 associated with a tropical cyclone. Cleveland 162.400 Washington 162.500 Storm Warning: Observed or forecast Columbus 162.400 Waycross 162.475 sustained surface winds, or frequent gusts, of Eastman 162.400 Waynesboro 162.425 48-63 knots, not associated with a tropical NOAA Weather Radio is broadcast on these cyclone. frequencies in the U.S.: Tropical Storm Warning: Observed or 162.400MHz, 162.425MHz, 162.450MHz, forecast sustained surface winds of 34-63 162.475MHz, 162.500MHz, 162.525MHz, knots, associated with a tropical cyclone. and 162.550MHz.

Hurricane Warning: Observed or forecast Coast Guard Marine information stations are sustained surface winds of 64 knots or available on selected frequencies within the higher, associated with a hurricane. MF/HF marine bands: 2-20MHz.

Special Marine Warning: Observation or forecast of one of the following, associated Coast Guard NAVTEX 518kHz with a squall or thunderstorm, and expected to last less than 2 hours: Coast Guard VHF 157.1MHz sustained winds or gusts of 34 knots or (Channel 22A) greater National Institute of hail 3/4 inch or more in diameter 2.5 MHz Standards and 5 MHz For more information before Technology and 10 MHz Frequency Stations 15 MHz you head out on the water, WWV & WWVH 20 MHz www.weather.gov Commercial AM/FM Radio Stations You know the Before Setting Out... While on the Water, weather.... Pay close attention to the forecast and Stay Alert! listen to detailed marine weather Check NOAA Weather Radio for latest It can be both friend and foe. Calm forecasts on NOAA Weather Radio. warnings and forecasts winds and seas make for enjoyable Take note of small boat cautionary Watch for signs of approaching storms: boating, waterskiing, and fishing. A statements, Small Craft Advisories, or - dark, threatening clouds fresh breeze and a light chop provide Gale or Storm Warnings in the forecast. - a steady increase in wind or sea an invigorating sailing or wind surfing The advisories and warnings (see - lightning flashes definitions) alert mariners to higher An increase in wind opposite in experience. But the sudden emergence winds and waves either occurring now of dark clouds, shifting and gusty direction to a strong tidal current may or forecast to occur up to 24 hours from lead to steep waves capable of winds, torrential downpours and now. Advisories and warnings for broaching a boat lightning can turn a day of pleasure conditions expected later give mariners Heavy static on your AM radio may into a nightmare of distress. Here are time to take action to protect life and indicate nearby thunderstorm activity some tips on how to boat safely. property. If a thunderstorm is approaching, head for shore. Get out of your boat and away from the water. Find shelter Radio Tips immediately. Plan for fun... If you have a VHF transceiver with built-in Several days ahead of time start If you can not get to shore: NOAA Weather Radio channels, use them! looking for and listening to National -put on your personal flotation devise Otherwise, consider buying a VHF weather Weather Service extended forecasts and prepare for rough seas radio. Keep in mind that broadcast reception on NOAA Weather Radio, AM/FM -stay below deck if possible varies with location, obstructions, etc. A radio, TV and internet. The -keep away from metal objects that are broad average range is 20 to 40 miles from extended forecasts give general not grounded to the boat’s protection the transmitter. If outside this range, information up to a week ahead to system consider buying a good quality HF single help you decide whether or not to -do not touch more than one grounded sideband transceiver to add to your VHF. continue making plans. object at a time Although more expensive, it may help you access information that can save your life and property.