Broads Winter Weather Watch
Boating on the Broads in winter is a magical experience. But at this time of year it brings its own hazards and requires special alertness and precautions.
The temporary thaw seems to be on the way out, with temperatures expected to fall well below zero, and more snow expected. The cold snap seems set to stay with us for the time being, with the Met Office saying: “The push of arctic air has now reached a line from Hull to Liverpool, with temperatures falling some 3-5 Celsius as the cold front moves through. The arctic air is expected to reach southern counties of England by early evening (Thursday 16th December), with a chance of rain turning to snow for a time before clearing.”
Obviously the winter weather can affect the Broads. Steve Birtles, Head of Waterways Strategy and Safety, said : “ There are different things to consider in winter than in summer as conditions may change rapidly. There are fewer people about on the water so the winter boater and angler may have to be self reliant.”
The Broads Authority’s Winter Boating leaflet as part of its Waterways Code gives safety advice and guidance including emergency contact numbers. Steve continues: “This leaflet draws attention to the different hazards they may face and gives guidance on how to cope with them.”
ICE WATCH INFO - 16th December, 15:00-
River Bure - Wroxham Broad north and south ends iced over. Salhouse Broad west and east iced, but clear passage between entrances and to the moorings. Some floating ice in the main river.
River Ant - Mainly clear with ice in dykes and marinas. Barton Broad mainly clear and the river up to Wayford Bridge. Neatishead, Sutton & Stalham remain iced up.
River Thurne - Ice on upper reaches of main river and dykes and marinas. Horsey Mere, Hickling Broad and Womack Water are all iced over.
River Yare - Main river clear but smaller dykes and marinas may have ice.
River Waveney - Main river clear but smaller dykes and marinas may have ice. Some fringes of Oulton Broad remain iced over.
For regular updates, please see the Urgent Boating News pages
Key tips are:• Check the weather before you go out and adapt your plans if things change.
• Take care not to slip on icy decks and mooring platforms and avoid navigating through icy water.
• When banks are flooded keep to the centre of the river.
• Things to take: a life-jacket, warm clothes, a change of clothes, strong waterproofs, footwear with a good tread, a hot drink, food, a mobile phone, a torch and spare batteries, a VHF radio if you have one.
• Don’t go out alone. Let people know where you are going and when you leave and plan to return.
• Take particular care if you are out in an open boat.
The leaflet can also be obtained free from the Broads Authority’s office at Dragonfly House, 2, Gilders Way, Norwich, NR3 1UB; Tel: 01603 610734 and local fishing tackle shops.
16/12/10
