Weather Alerts for Portsmouth SeacoastIssued by the National Weather Service |
BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT Areas Affected:
Coastal York - Coastal Cumberland - Sagadahoc - Lincoln - Knox - Coastal Waldo - Coastal Rockingham
* WHAT...Warm air temperatures in the 60s may cause people to underestimate the dangers of the cold water temperatures in the upper 40s to low 50s. * WHERE...In Maine, Coastal York, Coastal Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox and Coastal Waldo Counties. In New Hampshire, Coastal Rockingham County. * WHEN...From 8 AM EDT this morning through this evening. * IMPACTS...The cold water temperatures can quickly cause hypothermia to anyone immersed in the water. Sudden immersion into water at these temperatures can cause physical incapacitation in less than 10 minutes. Anyone on boats or paddlecraft should use extreme caution to avoid this threat.
Information:
A Beach Hazards Statement is issued on days when a significant number of boats and paddlecraft are expected to be out on the water and when warm air temperatures may cause people to underestimate the danger of the cold water. Paddle smart from the start. Always wear your life jacket. Be aware of wind conditions, tides, and localized currents. All boaters and paddlers are highly encouraged to contact the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons at www.wow.uscgaux/i_want_a_usc/index.php to receive a FREE vessel check. This is a convenient, no consequence way to ensure your vessel is outfitted with all required safety equipment. Additionally, please label your paddlecraft with your contact information (IF FOUND Sticker) in the event it is found adrift on the water.
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT Areas Affected:
Northern Oxford - Northern Franklin - Central Somerset - Southern Oxford - Southern Franklin - Southern Somerset - Interior York - Central Interior Cumberland - Androscoggin - Kennebec - Interior Waldo - Coastal York - Coastal Cumberland - Sagadahoc - Lincoln - Knox - Coastal Waldo - Interior Cumberland Highlands - Northern Coos - Southern Coos - Northern Grafton - Northern Carroll - Southern Grafton - Southern Carroll - Sullivan - Merrimack - Belknap - Strafford - Cheshire - Eastern Hillsborough - Interior Rockingham - Coastal Rockingham - Western And Central Hillsborough
* The warm air temperatures this weekend in the mid 60s may cause people to underestimate the dangers of the cold water temperatures which are currently only in the mid 50s across Sebago Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee, and in the mid 50s in the regions smaller lakes and rivers. * The cold water temperatures can quickly cause hypothermia to anyone immersed in the water. When the water temperature is below 60 degrees, the average submerged person could loose dexterity within minutes and be unable to accomplish simple tasks. Anyone on small boats, canoes, or kayaks should plan accordingly if recreating this weekend and use extreme caution to avoid this threat. Paddle smart from the start and always wear your life jacket! * Generally light and variable winds shift to southerly today. Winds will be breezy this afternoon with some gusts up to 25 mph. If boating on large bodies of water, these strong winds can increase the likelihood of overturning your boat, canoe, or kayak due to increased wave heights.