Boating in Storm: How to Behave and Prepare as a Storm Is Approaching ?

Global warming is accelerating extreme heatwaves and erratic weather patterns across the globe, and Croatia is no exception. As climate change intensifies, its impacts are increasingly visible in everyday life, especially outdoor pursuits like boating. Once predictable conditions shift suddenly, turning a pleasant outing into a potentially dangerous situation. In Croatia, these abrupt weather changes make activities like boating in a storm far more likely to happen, underscoring the serious need for greater awareness and preparation.

However, experience has shown that even in this unpredictability, there are some rules and clear signs of an impending storm.

Boating in a Storm: How to Prepare and Respond Safely in the Adriatic

Local knowledge, preparation, and real-time awareness are now essential for safely navigating the Adriatic. This guide, combined with your local knowledge, equips boaters with practical steps to recognize storm signs, prepare vessels, and make informed decisions in the face of rapidly changing weather.

Here are some ways to inform boaters about recognizing and preparing for storms while navigating the Adriatic Sea. By understanding the signs of an impending storm, you can feel more informed and prepared, enhancing your confidence in your ability to navigate safely. Understanding how to behave and prepare a boat when approaching a storm is not just crucial; it's empowering. This knowledge gives you the control to ensure the safety of your vessel and everyone on board, instilling confidence in your abilities and a sense of control in potentially dangerous situations.

Let’s inform boaters about how to prepare when sailing into a storm.

What Makes Adriatic Storms Unique?

Nevera (local storm) in Croatia

A Nevera is a sudden local storm specific to Croatia. It is not simply a bad weather event but a phenomenon known for forming independently of prior conditions. Its traits include:

• Sharp gusts of Wind
• Heavy, angled rainfall
• Rapid temperature and wind direction shifts
• Often forms during late August and April, usually in the afternoon (12:30 to 17:00)

Local Tip: If a storm occurs in the morning, it is likely to reappear later the same day.

Read more about: specific characteristics of Nevera.

If one appears in the morning, it can also be expected in the afternoon. Storms coming from the west and northwest are more common. Rainfall is preceded by simultaneous lightning and thunder, one to three times, and driven by strong winds; it falls at a sharp angle, almost horizontally. It's difficult to predict whether a storm will bring rain or hail, but in the case of rainy storms, the thunder is more powerful, and if it starts with a heavy downpour, hail is almost sure not to follow.

The brief appearance of yellow-brown clouds with ragged edges racing towards the dark centre of the storm suggests hail is imminent. Dark clouds with no visible edges and stretch indefinitely bring a stronger storm than those with clear skies on one or both sides. If you can see the sky, horizon, or other clouds beneath a dark cloud, that cloud does not carry a storm.

Recognizing Early Storm Signs

Boaters can better anticipate storms by watching for visual and environmental cues, even before meteorological alerts are issued:

Fisherman's Proverb: "In a storm, a friend shouldn't come near." (Every boat must be self-reliant in dangerous conditions.)

Likewise, regardless of all previous signs, if the wind turns to the left, it's a sign that there will be no storm. Although storms can appear quickly and suddenly, they can often be predicted a day in advance. A clear sunset in the west indicates a storm-free next day. The next day's storm chances are high if high clouds persist, especially over the sea.

These signs provide a sense of reassurance and reduce anxiety about the unpredictability of storms, making you feel more secure and less anxious:

• The wind calms down.
• The air temperature rises.
• It becomes muggy.
• A light breeze briefly blows in the storm's direction.

Completing all preparations for the bad weather on your boat is crucial as the storm approaches. A thick curtain of rain, a darkened sea, and leaden clouds rapidly approaching can cause discomfort, concern, and even fear.

Storm Preparation Checklist: What to Do on Your Boat

When radar or visual signs indicate an approaching storm, follow this step-by-step storm-readiness plan:

On Deck:

• Remove or tightly secure awnings, biminis, sprayhoods
• Stow all loose gear from the cockpit and Deck
• Reinforce windward mooring lines and check fender positions
• Ensure masts of adjacent boats are offset to avoid contact
• Lock Genoa rollers and tie sails securely to the boom

Inside the Cabin:

• Close all portholes and hatches
• Keep rain gear within easy reach
• Secure sharp items and valuables
• Prepare emergency tools (torch, VHF, knife)

Pro Tip: Always keep a sharp knife within reach. You may need to release everything quickly if the anchor chain or lines jam.

Inside the Marina: Securing Safely

Marinas offer the best shelter, but they come with hazards, too:

• Stubborn late arrivals may try docking mid-storm, so stay alert
• Ensure all mooring lines are quick-release
• Keep engines running to charge batteries and be ready to maneuver
• Monitor your dinghy rope, which can foul the propeller or nearby boats
• Keep navigation lights on for visibility

A secure berth in a sheltered marina is ideal for patiently anticipating a storm on a boat.

However, with good preparation, you can navigate the storm with confidence and security, knowing you're ready for any situation. A secure berth in a sheltered marina is the best place to await a storm. Stow, tie down or remove anything that the wind can tear or blow away, such as awnings, biminis, and sprayhoods, from the deck and cockpit. Check the positions and fastenings of the fenders, and if necessary, strengthen the windward mooring lines. Ensure that the masts of two adjacent sailboats are not aligned to avoid them hitting each other during rolling and pitching. Secure the Genoa roller to prevent it from accidentally unfurling in solid winds, and tighten the sail packed on the boom well. Close all portholes and hatches, take shelter in the cabin, and wait for the storm to pass. Keep rain gear handy, as there is always a chance you might need to go on deck due to an unexpected situation.

Despite your good preparations, be aware that there are always risk-takers who stubbornly try to enter the Marina during the storm, looking for a free berth. As the Marina is the safest place during a strong storm, this is the most dangerous of all the hazards that can occur in a marina during a storm.

Anchor or Sail? Smart Decisions in the Bay

Beware of Dangerous Neighbors, which refers to boats anchored close to your boat in a bay during a storm. Their proximity can pose a significant risk to your vessel, as their anchors may not hold, and their boats may drift into yours, causing damage or a collision. Considering this risk when choosing an anchorage during a storm is essential. If you notice an approaching storm while anchored in a bay, consider whether to stay there or set sail. If there is any doubt about the safety of the anchorage, that is reason enough to lift the anchor, especially from bays open to westerly winds. Being well-anchored in a sheltered bay can provide considerable security, but you must be more comfortable. No matter how confident you are in your anchor, there is always the danger that another boat in the bay will drag its anchor across yours. Additionally, there is the constant danger from those who seek shelter right next to you during the storm. In such conditions, it is difficult for them to hear you, and if they do hear, it's uncertain what they understand. Instead, monitor their reactions and anticipate possible developments.

The old fishermen's saying goes: 'In a storm, a friend shouldn't come near.' This saying reflects the understanding that it's every boat for itself in a storm, and attempting to help others can often lead to more problems. Two anchors provide more security than one; don't take the risk if you need clarification on the outcome. In case of an urgent need to leave the berth, this will only complicate an already tense situation.

When securing, it's good to place the second anchor further north, as wind from some northern direction can be expected after the storm. The boat should be prepared to quickly and safely set sail at any moment. All mooring lines must be easy to untie and accessible so they can be quickly released and thrown ashore if necessary. In such situations, it is crucial to have a sharp knife. Pull the anchor rope outside the rail, so if complications arise while lifting, you can throw the entire rope into the sea, both anchors, one by one. Do not attach floating markers, fenders, or similar items to the ends, which can get caught on the keel, rudder, or propeller. Anchors with chains instead of ropes usually have the chain end tied to some catch in the chain locker.

Anchor or Sail?

If anchored and a storm approaches:

Stay If:

• The bay is well-sheltered from western winds
• You are confident in your anchoring setup

Leave If:

• Nearby boats are too close (they may drift)
• The bay is open to west or northwest winds
• You spot other boats arriving during the storm

Double Anchoring: Drop a second anchor northward, anticipating post-storm winds from the north.

Sailing During the Storm: Navigation Best Practices

Let's help boaters prepare for Adriatic storms

If you're caught mid-storm:

• Adjust speed and wave angle for comfort and safety
• Avoid sailing directly into the storm; cross it at an angle instead
• Keep your distance from the shore
• Turn on navigation lights for visibility

After the storm:

• If the Wind shifts east or southeast and the heat returns, another storm may follow
• If the Wind turns north, it is usually a sign the worst is over

Before the storm arrives, release that end of the chain and let the entire chain into the sea if necessary. You can retrieve the ropes and anchors later when everything has calmed down. In a storm, timely reaction and prompt action can be crucial, so keeping the engine running throughout the storm is advisable. Even if there is no need to sail, you will have charged the boat's batteries. A dinghy or inflatable boat is usually tied to the stern and can easily be overlooked; its rope can end up under the propeller. Moreover, while sailing out, it can easily get caught in the ropes of nearby boats, so someone should keep control of the dinghy's rope and hold it in hand at all times. Return to the bay only once the storm has passed. For better visibility, turn on the navigation lights and choose a course that takes you away from the shore. You don't sail through a storm by force but with patience.

Adjust your speed and the angle to the waves according to the sea conditions, and remember that sailing through the storm will make it shorter than travelling in the same direction. When the weather cools down, and the northern winds strengthen after the storm, it's a sign that the storm has passed. However, if after the storm, even a light wind blows from the east or southeast, and the mugginess returns, another storm can be expected, if not the same afternoon, then the next day.

Summary: Your Adriatic Storm Strategy

Weather Radar Shows if You're on the Path of a Coming Storm

The Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) has completed the installation of a network of meteorological radars and put them into full operational use this year. This has significantly assisted sailors, boaters, and fishermen by helping them avoid storms and prepare for them promptly. The radars are strategically located along the Adriatic coast, with installations at Goli near Labin, Debeljak near Sukošan, and Uljeni on Pelješac. This network effectively covers the entire Croatian coastline and offshore areas. This feature allows everyone to access the meteor radar image and read weather forecasts on the DHMZ website, including those for sailors and boaters.

The radar image precisely shows the real-time movement of cloud systems, graphically indicating those bringing rain, strong wind, and thunderstorms.

It allows users to see in advance if the bay where they are anchored or the route, they are sailing is in the impact zone. In such a case, they would have at least 45 minutes to secure and prepare their boat for the storm or to navigate to a safer location. Before the existence and operation of weather radars, meteorologists could predict whether a storm front would only impact the northern part of the Adriatic or also affect Dalmatia. However, they still needed help to see the local impact precisely. Now, weather radars make it possible to observe the movement of storm clouds, allowing for forecasts that predict which specific areas will be heavily impacted by storms and which ones will be spared. This information is crucial for boaters in specific locations. Additionally, the radar provides up-to-date information and animated visuals of the movement of cloud masses and precipitation, making it easier to predict which areas might be affected.

Boaters regularly monitored the meteor radar this summer and noticed the accurate images. When the radar showed a rain cloud approaching their location, the rain or a strong thunderstorm would begin shortly afterwards. As a result, it's recommended that everyone at sea check the meteor radar status as part of their routine, in addition to reading the news or listening to the maritime forecast. This service is completely free, making it even more accessible for boaters.

Combining traditional seafaring wisdom with modern radar tools allows you to navigate even the most sudden Adriatic storms safely. Preparation is peace of mind. Know what to look for, act fast, and sail smart. 

❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Boating in Storms