The Coast Guard also broadcasts some of these warnings, advisories and statements across the marine radio emergency channel. The main weather related threats to small boats on the waters of Florida are strong winds, rough seas lightning and waterspouts. Generally, wind gusts of 34 knots or more are often strong enough to capsize small boats, especially when they catch the boater off-guard. Strong winds are usually generated by thunderstorms or fast moving rain showers over the waters of Florida. Locally rough seas can be generated by strong winds as well.
Most small boats have difficulty maneuvering in seas of five feet or greater.
For the most part, sustained winds of around 18 knots can produce seas of around five feet across most bodies of water in Florida. Florida is considered the thunderstorm capitol of the United States with areas of west-central Florida near Tampa having the highest frequency of days per year with thunderstorms. Lightning is also a hazard for boaters. There are no warnings for lightning issued by the National Weather Service but products such as the short term forecast and marine weather statements mention the possibility of cloud to water lightning strikes. Florida is also considered the lightning capitol of the United States.