Tormentas, rayos y turbonadas en el agua: qué hacer

Última verificación: 14 de octubre de 2026

Paso a paso

1. Actúa al primer indicio

   Nubes oscuras, un aumento constante del viento o de las olas, o un cambio brusco del viento indican que puede llegar una tormenta. Si oyes truenos, estás lo bastante cerca para que te alcance un rayo. Dirígete enseguida a puerto o a un refugio seguro.[12][22][14][1][25]

2. Chalecos salvavidas para todos

   Las rachas de una tormenta pueden volcar un barco pequeño. Asegúrate ya de que todos a bordo llevan chaleco salvavidas.[9][18]

3. Reduce y asegura el barco

   Reduce la velocidad para mantener el control. Estiba el material suelto y haz que la tripulación se siente baja y en el centro del barco.[18][19]

4. En un velero ligero, larga escotas en las rachas

   Cuando entre una racha repentina, larga el foque y la mayor hasta que el barco empiece a adrizarse.[21]

5. Métete dentro o agáchate

   Si tu barco tiene cabina, quédate dentro. Si no, agáchate lo más posible en el centro del barco.[2][13][10]

6. Lejos del metal y del agua

   Mantente lejos de los herrajes metálicos y de los aparatos eléctricos, y no toques dos objetos metálicos conectados a masa a la vez. Mantén brazos y piernas dentro del barco.[10][2][5]

7. Baja la antena; radio solo para emergencias

   Baja o sujeta la antena de la radio y otros elementos altos si no forman parte de un sistema de protección contra rayos. No uses la radio salvo en una emergencia.[6][16]

8. ¿No llegas a tierra? Espera a que pase

   Si no puedes volver a tierra, el US National Weather Service aconseja fondear y agacharse lo más posible. Las tormentas suelen ser cortas, así que es mejor esperar a que pase que navegar a través de ella.[15][3]

9. Si a alguien le alcanza un rayo

   Pide ayuda de inmediato. Una persona alcanzada por un rayo no conserva carga eléctrica, así que es seguro tocarla y ayudarla.[20][7]

10. Tras la tormenta, revisa el barco

    Si al barco le alcanzó un rayo, o crees que pudo alcanzarle, revisa si la instalación eléctrica y el compás tienen daños antes de fiarte de ellos.[8]

Qué no hacer

• No esperes a los truenos o a la lluvia para volver. Un rayo puede caer a muchas millas por delante de la tormenta.[4][14]
• No salgas si hay previsión de tormentas.[1]
• No toques más de un objeto metálico conectado a masa a la vez.[10]
• No dejes las manos ni los pies colgando en el agua.[5]
• No uses la radio para charlar mientras haya rayos; resérvala para emergencias.[16]

Antes de zarpar

• Antes de salir: consulta la previsión marítima y los avisos por si mencionan tormentas o turbonadas.[24][1]
• Antes de salir: recuerda que las rachas pueden ser un 40 % más fuertes que el viento medio previsto, y aún más en una tormenta.[23]
• Antes de salir: planifica una ruta de escape y localiza en la carta dónde puedes refugiarte.[11][26]
• En el agua: sigue consultando el tiempo en tu radio marina.[27]

Preguntas frecuentes

Fuentes

Las fuentes se citan en su idioma original.

1. US National Weather Service (NOAA) (2026-10-14): “It is therefore strongly recommended you do not venture out if thunderstorms are a possibility. If you do venture out and recognize thunderstorms nearby, head to port or safe shelter as quickly as possible.”
2. US National Weather Service (NOAA) (2026-10-14): “If your boat has a cabin, then stay inside and avoid touching metal or electrical devices. If your boat doesn't have a cabin, stay as low as you can in the boat.”
3. US National Weather Service (NOAA) (2026-10-14): “Keep in mind that thunderstorms are usually brief so waiting it out is better than riding it out.”
4. US National Weather Service (NOAA) (2026-10-14): “Stop all activities when there is lightning or when weather conditions look threatening. The first lightning strike can come out of a clear blue sky many miles ahead of an approaching thunderstorm cloud.”
5. US National Weather Service (NOAA) (2026-10-14): “Keep arms and legs in the boat. Do not dangle them in the water. Water conducts electricity from lightning.”
6. US National Weather Service (NOAA) (2026-10-14): “Lower, remove or tie down the radio antenna and other protruding devices if they are NOT part of a lightning protection system.”
7. US National Weather Service (NOAA) (2026-10-14): “Victims do not carry an electrical charge after being struck.”
8. US National Weather Service (NOAA) (2026-10-14): “If a boat has been struck by lightning, or is suspected of having been struck, check the electrical system and the compasses to ensure that no damage has occurred.”
9. US National Weather Service Melbourne (NOAA) (2026-10-14): “If a thunderstorm threatens while afloat, be sure everyone aboard is wearing a life jacket as a small boat can be overturned by gusty winds.”
10. US National Weather Service Melbourne (NOAA) (2026-10-14): “If lightning is threatening, keep below decks if possible; keep away from metal objects that are not grounded to the boat's protection system; don't touch more than one grounded object at the same time.”
11. US National Weather Service Melbourne (NOAA) (2026-10-14): “Have an escape plan in mind. Thunderstorms and weather related hazards form quickly. Never let these storms cut off your route back to land.”
12. US National Weather Service Melbourne (NOAA) (2026-10-14): “Dark, threatening clouds usually foretell the approach of severe weather. Other things to watch for are a steady increase in wind or seas or an increase in wind opposite in direction to a strong current.”
13. US National Weather Service Miami (NOAA) (2026-10-14): “Get out of the water, off the beach and out of small boats. If caught in a boat, crouch down in the center of the boat, away from metal hardware.”
14. US National Weather Service Miami (NOAA) (2026-10-14): “Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning.”
15. US National Weather Service (NOAA) (2026-10-14): “If you are out and cannot get back to land and safety, drop anchor and get as low as possible.”
16. US National Weather Service (NOAA) (2026-10-14): “Remember to stay inside the cabin and away from any metal surfaces. Stay off the radio unless it is an emergency!”
17. US National Weather Service (NOAA) (2026-10-14): “Wait 30 minutes until after the last rumble of thunder before going back to the beach.”
18. Coastguard New Zealand (2026-10-14): “If you’re close to shore, consider heading back early. If you’re further out, reduce speed, secure loose items, and ensure all passengers are wearing lifejackets if not already.”
19. Coastguard New Zealand (2026-10-14): “Stabilise your boat by stowing loose gear and get your crew to sit low and in the middle of the hull to further improve stability and safety, especially in smaller boats.”
20. Coastguard New Zealand (2026-10-14): “And lastly, if you are in danger, call for help. Don’t risk a fatal event, as your pride got in the way of radio CH16.”
21. Transport Canada – Rental Boat Safety Checklist (Sailing Dinghy) (2026-10-14): “Release the jib and main sail until the boat starts to flatten out when there are unexpected gusts of wind”
22. Australian Bureau of Meteorology (2026-10-14): “sudden increase in wind speed or change in wind direction”
23. Australian Bureau of Meteorology (2026-10-14): “Forecasts show average wind speeds. Wind gusts can be 40% stronger than the average wind speed and even stronger during a storm.”
24. Australian Bureau of Meteorology (2026-10-14): “Check for mention of thunderstorms or squalls, as this may indicate strong winds could develop faster.”
25. Transport Canada – Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E) (2026-10-14): “Summer thunderstorms can strike quickly and without warning. Keep your eye on the sky when you’re out on the water. If it starts to look dark and cloudy, and conditions are changing quickly, head for shore.”
26. Transport Canada – Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E) (2026-10-14): “Remember to check your up-to-date nautical charts in advance so you’ll know where to find shelter.”
27. Transport Canada – Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E) (2026-10-14): “If you have a marine radio, you can get weather updates while you’re on the water.”

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