I now live in Branson, Missouri and experienced the severe storm yesterday evening that cost the lives of 17 people on Table Rock Lake. I have lived most of my life in southern Florida and have survived 7 major hurricanes. The winds yesterday evening were hurricane force and lasted for about 1 hour. By 7am yesterday the Weather Service posted a severe thunderstorm watch for the area until 9pm
The day was hot, with a “feels like” temperature of 105 degrees with partly cloudy conditions.
Anyone who has ever lived in Florida for any time naturally becomes “weather sensitive” to summer thunderstorms and their deadly lightning attacks and the threat of hurricanes. By 5pm yesterday you could feel the forces of a severe storm gathering on the western horizon.
The wind struck about 6:30pm. It was not tornadic but a straight line wind event and was fierce.
Table Rock Lake is man-made and is quite large for an inland lake and is usually very calm water. The Duck Boats are a major feature of this tourist small town of about 10,000 permanent residents. That number grows to 50,000 daily during our tourist season in the summer.
The waves on the lake grew to 6-8 feet during the storm. The Duck Boats are low riding, flat-bottomed craft never designed for rough water.
The ride attraction is very popular for family outings with young children.
I do not know if this could have been prevented. I do know that the precaution was posted hours in advance of this deadly storm and caution was warranted.
When you are warned of potential severe weather, please do not ignore the possibility that your life may be in danger. Nature does not forgive.