You can listen to NOAA and know if a thunderstorm is coming. But there's often no way to predict the sudden force known as the microburst.

Often accompanying thunderstorms, a microburst is a concentrated column of sinking air that spreads out in all directions as it reaches the surface, according to Chapman Piloting and Seamanship.

But they don't always appear when stormy weather is forecast. Microbursts can pop up suddenly when there's rain, but no thunder and lightning.

Wind speeds can range from 30 to 120 knots, and are known to capsize and destroy boats. Small sailboats are particularly under threat. (Read about how one crew rode out a microburst on the Chesapeake Bay.)

A microburst has an almost instantaneous onset of winds from an unpredictable direction and can't be seen approaching. The best way to avoid the danger of a microburst is prevention. Prepare for a trip by going over marine forecasts and stay tuned to NOAA weather radio while onboard. Wear life jackets, have the ability to tether onto your boat and drill your crew on how to handle a storm situation, so that everyone knows what to do.