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WWUS81 KBTV 162046
SPSBTV

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Burlington VT
446 PM EDT Sat May 16 2026

NYZ026>031-034-035-087-VTZ001>011-016>021-170900-
Northern St. Lawrence-Northern Franklin-Eastern Clinton-
Southeastern St. Lawrence-Southern Franklin-Western Clinton-
Western Essex-Eastern Essex-Southwestern St. Lawrence-Grand Isle-
Western Franklin-Orleans-Essex-Western
Chittenden-Lamoille-Caledonia-
Washington-Western Addison-Orange-Western Rutland-Eastern Franklin-
Eastern Chittenden-Eastern Addison-Eastern Rutland-Western Windsor-
Eastern Windsor-
Including the cities of Massena, Norfolk, Fort Covington, Malone,
Champlain, Plattsburgh, South Colton, Star Lake, Saranac Lake,
Tupper Lake, Dannemora, Ellenburg, Lake Placid, Newcomb, Port Henry,
Ticonderoga, Ogdensburg, Potsdam, Gouverneur, Alburgh, South Hero,
St. Albans, Swanton, Derby, Newport, Island Pond, Lunenburg,
Burlington, Shelburne, Johnson, Stowe, Hardwick, St. Johnsbury,
Montpelier, Waitsfield, Middlebury, Vergennes, Bradford, Randolph,
Fair Haven, Rutland, Enosburg Falls, Richford, Richmond, Underhill,
Bristol, Ripton, East Wallingford, Killington, Bethel, Ludlow,
Springfield, and White River Junction
446 PM EDT Sat May 16 2026

...National Weather Service Cold Water Safety Message... 

...Please check with state and local authorities regarding
guidelines for allowed activities...

* The warm air temperatures this weekend in the mid 70s to low 80s
  may cause people to underestimate the dangers of the cold water
  temperatures, which are currently only in the mid 40s to mid 50s
  across Lake Champlain and the smaller lakes and rivers.

* The cold water temperatures can quickly cause hypothermia to
  anyone immersed in the water. According to the US Coast Guard,
  when the water temperatures are below 50 degrees, the chance of
  immediate incapacitation due to cold shock is extremely high.
  Anyone on small boats, canoes or kayaks should plan accordingly
  if recreating this weekend and use extreme caution to avoid this
  threat. Paddle smart from the start and always wear your life
  jacket!

* South winds this evening 10-15 knots will become southwest
  overnight, then northwest by midday Sunday. If boating on large
  bodies of water, these winds can increase the likelihood of
  overturning your boat, canoe or kayak due to increased wave
  heights.

* Due to recent rain, area rivers continue to run fast with swift
  water currents. The swift water can easily overturn a kayak or
  canoe into the frigid river waters. Once in the cold water, the
  strong currents will make it difficult to reach safety.

$$