Weather Alert Watch
Moderate Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement for Northern St. Lawrence; Northern Franklin; Eastern Clinton +23 more

...Please check with state and local authorities regarding guidelines for allowed activities... * The warm air temperatures this weekend in the mid 70s to low 80s may cause people to underestimate the dangers of the cold water temperatures, which are...

NY, VTNorthern St. Lawrence; Northern Franklin; Eastern Clinton; Southeastern St. Lawrence; Southern Franklin; Western Clinton; Western Essex; Eastern Essex; Southwestern St. Lawrence; Grand Isle; Western Franklin; Orleans; Essex; Western Chittenden; Lamoille; Caledonia; Washington; Western Addison; Orange; Western Rutland; Eastern Franklin; Eastern Chittenden; Eastern Addison; Eastern Rutland; Western Windsor; Eastern Windsor

Official alert brief

...Please check with state and local authorities regarding guidelines for allowed activities... * The warm air temperatures this weekend in the mid 70s to low 80s may cause people to underestimate the dangers of the cold water temperatures, which are currently only in the mid 40s to mid 50s across Lake Champlain and the smaller lakes and rivers. * The cold water temperatures can quickly cause hypothermia to anyone immersed in the water. According to the US Coast Guard, when the water temperatures are below 50 degrees, the chance of immediate incapacitation due to cold shock is extremely high. 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! * South winds this evening 10-15 knots will become southwest overnight, then northwest by midday Sunday. If boating on large bodies of water, these winds can increase the likelihood of overturning your boat, canoe or kayak due to increased wave heights. * Due to recent rain, area rivers continue to run fast with swift water currents. The swift water can easily overturn a kayak or canoe into the frigid river waters. Once in the cold water, the strong currents will make it difficult to reach safety.