Stormy weather

Steve Considine, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service, explained the mysteries of thunderstorms at a meeting of club members at the Dexter library on Thursday, March 29.

Gusty winds often precede an approaching thundercloud, he said. They are caused by downdrafts from the clouds hitting the ground and spreading outward.

If you hear thunder at the club, even if off in the distance, sail to the dock and get off the lake. That’s because lightning can strike up to 30 miles away from the source of thunder, he said.

The Great Lakes Marine Weather Portal, at www.weather.gov/greatlakes, presents forecast info from around the Great Lakes.

Photo: Chas Child