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Florida Coastal
Waters Forecasts

Beaufort Scale of Wind Force
Developed by Admiral Sir Frances Beaufort in 1805 to determine the effects of wind on water.

Force 0: Calm. Winds less than 1 mph.

Force 1: Light air. Winds 1-3 mph. Ripples on the water's surface.

Force 2: Light breeze, 4-7 mph. Small wavelets developing.

Force 3: Gentle breeze, 8-12 mph. Large wavelets with scattered whitecaps.

Force 4: Moderate breeze, 13-18 mph. Waves 2-3 feet with whitecaps becoming numerous.

Force 5: Fresh breeze, 19-24 mph. Waves 4-7 feet. Sea spray begins.

Force 6: Strong breeze, 25-31 mph. Waves 7-14 feet. White caps everywhere. Spray increasing.

Force 7: Near gale, 32-38 mph. Seas 14-18 feet. Foam begins to blow in streaks.

Force 8: Gale, 39-46 mph. Blinding foam begins blowing in streaks.

Force 9: Strong gale, 47-54 mph. 20 foot waves.

Force 10: Storm. Wind 55-63 mph. Waves 20-30 feet.

Force 11: Violent storm, 64-73 mph. Waves 30-45 feet.

Force 12: Hurricane, 74-82 mph. Air filled with foam. Waves as high as 50 feet.

If You Are Caught In A Thunderstorm

Make sure everyone aboard is wearing a life jacket.
Secure all loose gear, hatches or ports
Determine your location and the best course back to shelter.
Keep a sharp lookout for other boats and obstructions.

Once The Storm Hits

Try to take the first (and heaviest gusts of wind on the boat, not abeam. Heading into the wind is the most seaworthy position for most small boats.
Approach waves at a 45° angle to keep the propeller underwater, to reduce pounding, and to provide a safer and more comfortable ride.
If there is lightning, unplug radios and all electrical equipment.
Stay low. don't make yourself the tallest target.
Keep away from metal objects that aren't grounded to the boat's protection system.