Weather Stations on the Waves: Keeping a High-Tech Buoy Afloat

Ray Cogan

many sailboats on water on beautiful clear day

There’s nothing better than getting out on the water on a hot summer day. Whether you live near Lake Erie or travel a few hours to go boating, you’ve probably looked up the lake conditions before heading out – just in case.

But where does that weather and water condition info come from, anyway?

Here on Lake Erie, you can thank several strategically placed, high-tech buoys in the Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie.

In fact, you’ve probably navigated right past them.

Buoys, Boaters and Beach Advisories

The buoys are part of a program run by the Regional Science Consortium (RSC), a local nonprofit organization. Established in 2004, their mission is to deepen knowledge and understanding of the Lake Erie and Ohio River Basin ecosystems through research and education.

The buoys are part of a larger initiative, “Keeping Lake Erie Boaters Safe: Real Time Buoy Program.”

The program includes two large-scale buoys that are deployed in the open waters of Lake Erie; two smaller beach buoys; and two weather stations. Erie Insurance gave the RSC a $10,000 grant through the Erie Insurance Giving Network to cover the operations on one of their large-scale buoys.

“This project aligned well with ERIE’s interest in environmental responsibility and support for STEM [science, technology, engineering and math] education,” said Ann Scott, Erie Insurance’s community outreach manager. “Boating safety and water quality can directly impact the local community we’re committed to supporting.”

In addition to the Real-Time Buoy Program, the RSC partners with local universities, schools, researchers and agencies like , the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, U.S. Geological Survey and many others.

Keeping the buoys afloat isn’t a cheap date. ERIE’s $10,000 grant to the RSC will cover the cost to maintain and repair one large-scale buoy each year. (And they’ve got two!)

As for the initial investment: A new large-scale buoy typically costs between $75,000 and $80,000, explained Jeanette Schnars, executive director of the RSC. But for the impact they have on the community – it’s worth every penny.

“These buoys are extremely helpful to boaters and organizations that rely on the water, as well as beach-goers and tourists visiting Presque Isle,” Schnars said. “Each year we have to find funding for both of the large-scale buoys. With ERIE’s help, we’re pleased to be able to maintain both in 2019.”

Tracking Waves (and Lots of Other Data)

From May to October, the buoys transmit real-time data to help keep boaters, personal watercraft users and beach-goers safe.

The large-scale buoys are both located within five nautical miles – or about 5.8 miles – of Lake Erie’s main shore line. The Nearshore Buoy (two miles north of the lighthouse on Presque Isle) and the Walnut Creek Buoy (north of Walnut Creek Marina) sit in about 50 feet of water and transmit enormous amounts of data back to the RSC every 20 minutes.

So, what are they transmitting? Each buoy is outfitted with a full weather station; wave meter; water quality sonde (a series of probes that collects and transmits information on water quality); and a video camera. That’s right – you can watch a current video clip to see what the water looks like. You can view this data in real time on PALakeErieBuoy.com , or on the LIVE Datacenter app for your Android or iOS mobile device.

Schnars said the team is impressed with the amount of traffic they’re seeing to the website. On average, they receive 1,500 hits to the website every day (not counting app usage, which is calculated separately). In July 2019, that number reached an all-time high at just over 2,000 visits per day – a sure sign that boaters rely on the information to plan their days on the water.

The data collected is shared with NOAA-National Weather Service to aide in forecasting of weather and wave conditions on Lake Erie. The RSC also shares their information with the National Weather Service in Cleveland to assist in forecasting.

What’s more, the RSC buoys measure more than just weather conditions. They also measure water quality, to help ensure the health and safety of people and pets.

“The sondes contain probes that measure aspects like pH, turbidity and blue-green algae levels which may produce toxins,” Schnars said. “When those algae levels rise, we issue advisories to help keep everyone safe.”

Find out more about ERIE’s longstanding commitment to our community through the Erie Insurance Giving Network , or follow #ERIEforgood wherever you share on social media.

The post Weather Stations on the Waves: Keeping a High-Tech Buoy Afloat appeared first on Lindquist Insurance.

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Preparing for Spring Storms: How Business Insurance Can Shield You From Seasonal Risks

By Ray Cogan • May 12, 2025

Spring brings longer days, blooming landscapes, and unpredictable weather for businesses in Annapolis and Frederick, Maryland. Storms in the Mid-Atlantic can bring heavy rain, flooding, hail, and strong winds, often leading to costly damages for business owners. That’s why now is the perfect time to evaluate your business insurance coverage and ensure you’re protected against the unique seasonal risks spring brings. *** Why Spring Storms Matter to Maryland Business Owners Maryland's spring weather is known for its volatility. Sudden thunderstorms, high winds, and localized flooding can affect both coastal towns like Annapolis and inland areas like Frederick. In 2022 alone, several businesses in Frederick County experienced power outages and property damage due to intense spring storms. Similarly, businesses near the Chesapeake Bay face storm surges and flash flooding, especially during early-season weather systems. For local businesses—from boutique shops in downtown Annapolis to industrial warehouses near Frederick’s tech corridor—spring weather disruptions can mean more than just cleanup. They can lead to business interruptions, loss of inventory, and expensive repairs. How Business Insurance Can Help Business insurance is a critical safeguard that provides financial protection when natural disasters strike. But not all policies are created equal. Understanding the specific coverages that protect against spring-related risks can make a big difference when it matters most. Here are the top types of business insurance you should review this season: 1. Commercial Property Insurance. This is the foundation of most business insurance policies. It covers your physical assets, such as your building, equipment, and inventory, if they’re damaged by covered perils like wind, hail, or lightning. If a windstorm damages the roof of your downtown Annapolis storefront or flooding ruins inventory stored in your Frederick warehouse, commercial property insurance helps cover repair and replacement costs. Be sure to check if your policy includes flood protection. You may need to purchase separate flood insurance, especially in flood-prone areas near the Chesapeake Bay. 2. Business Interruption Insurance. Also known as business income insurance, this coverage kicks in if your operations are forced to shut down due to storm-related damage. It covers lost income, payroll, rent, and other operating expenses during the downtime. Imagine a storm causes structural damage to your Frederick café, requiring you to close for two weeks. Business interruption insurance can help you stay afloat financially until you reopen. 3. Equipment Breakdown Insurance. Spring storms can lead to power surges and electrical issues, which can damage your essential equipment, like refrigerators, HVAC systems, or point-of-sale terminals. Equipment breakdown insurance helps cover the cost of repair or replacement, so your operations don't have to close temporarily. This is crucial for restaurants, retail shops, and healthcare facilities in Annapolis and Frederick that rely on specialized machinery. 4. Commercial Auto Insurance. If your business uses vehicles for deliveries, transportation, or service calls. Make sure your commercial auto insurance includes comprehensive coverage. This protects your vehicles from non-collision-related damages, including those caused by hail, fallen trees, or flooding. Local fleets operating between Annapolis and Frederick are especially vulnerable during spring travel, when roads may be slick or obstructed. 5. General Liability Insurance. Spring storms sometimes lead to unexpected hazards, like a slippery floor or fallen debris outside your storefront, that can cause injury to customers or passersby. General liability insurance covers medical costs, legal fees, and settlements if someone gets hurt on your property. This type of coverage is essential for public-facing businesses, such as those located along the bustling streets of Annapolis or in Frederick’s historic downtown district. Take These Steps Now to Stay Protected Review Your Policy with a Local Agent. Insurance needs vary depending on location, business type, and risk exposure. A local agent, like the experienced team at Lindquist Insurance, can assess your current coverage and suggest any needed updates tailored to the Annapolis and Frederick regions. 1. Document and Protect Your Assets. Take an inventory of your equipment, supplies, and property. Back up digital records and store documents off-site or in the cloud. This speeds up claims processing in the event of a loss. 2. Create a Spring Storm Preparedness Plan. Include emergency contact lists, backup power sources, evacuation procedures, and a communication plan for employees and customers. 3. Schedule an Annual Insurance Checkup. Use the changing season as a reminder to reassess your business insurance needs. Your business evolves—and so should your protection. At Lindquist Insurance , we’re proud to serve the business communities of Annapolis and Frederick, MD. Our goal is to help you weather any storm with confidence, knowing you’re covered where it counts. Whether you run a waterfront shop in Annapolis or a growing service business in Frederick, our team is ready to help you find the right business insurance solutions for the spring season and beyond. Contact our business insurance specialists today for a free business insurance review or call us at (301) 694-0008 or visit www.lindquistinsurance.com. *** For more information on Maryland weather, visit the Weather US website .

How to Switch Car Insurance with Help from an Insurance Agent

By Ray Cogan • April 28, 2025

At Lindquist Insurance, we’re here to help you with your car insurance now and in the future. If you're thinking about switching your car insurance and live in Frederick, Annapolis, or Washington, DC, now is the perfect time to reach out. At Lindquist Insurance, our friendly local agents make the process simple, fast, and tailored to you. We’ll compare top providers, explain your options, and guide you every step of the way. Call Lindquist Insurance today at (301) 694-3008 or visit www.lindquisinsurance.com to request a free, no-obligation quote. We serve the Frederick, MD, Annapolis, MD, and Washington, D.C. areas.