Summer thunderstorms in Southern Nevada are characterized by sudden and often violent, changes in the weather.

These summer storms are often accompanied by high winds that create a severe danger for boaters, according to the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

A main concern to department game wardens are those who are new to the Southwest and are unfamiliar with the strength of the region's summer storms.

"Many people, especially those who are new to the desert, just don't realize how fast desert thunderstorms come up. These storms bring with them high winds and rough water. Unsuspecting boaters are often taken by surprise and that can lead to problems," said David Pfiffner, supervising game warden for the department.

Over the years, several people have lost their lives in weather related boating accidents on lakes Mead and Mohave. One example, Pfiffner explained, happened a few years ago when a boat swamped in high winds on Lake Mohave. One of the passengers died. He wasn't wearing a life jacket.

"When caught by a storm, a boater's first order of business - if they aren't wearing it already - is to put on their life jacket. Then the boater should look for a protected location in which to ride out the storm," Pfiffner said.

Summer storms may also be accompanied by heavy rains that can lead to flash floods, which can wash large amounts of debris into waterways. Boaters need to watch for floating debris that might damage their boat or cause an accident.

A good rule of thumb is to "keep an eye to the sky." The sky will tell the weather story for you, especially during the summer, he said. Anyone who recreates outdoors should make a habit of checking - and heeding - the weather forecast before leaving home and routinely checking it while out and about.

Changes in the weather generally come from the west. The list of warning signs includes wind shifts, thunderheads building up in the distance, increasingly choppy waters, swelling waves and a drop in barometric pressure.

While cell phone coverage is available in many parts of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area,The department encourages people who frequent the area's waterways to carry a marine band radio.

The National Park Service monitors two-way radios 24-hours a day on channels 16 and 22A.