Thunderstorms may result in changes to the schedules for boats traveling through the locks on the  Okeechobee Waterway, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

For lock operator safety, the lock operators will stop locking vessels or working outdoors if lightning is observed within 5 miles of the lock, and operations will not resume until lightning has not been seen in the area for 30 minutes.

Lock operators will also stop locking vessels through when winds exceed 35 mph. 

Normal locking hours for Okeechobee Waterway Locks are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last lockage starts at 4:30 p.m.)

For up to date Lock information, contact the shift operator 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:

• St. Lucie Lock & Dam 772-287-2665 or 863-662-9148;

• Port Mayaca Lock & Dam 561-924-2858 or 863-662-9424;

• Julian Keen, Jr. Lock & Dam (Moore Haven) 863-946-0414 or 863-662-9533;

• Ortona Lock & Dam 863-675-0616 or 863- 662-9846;

• W.P. Franklin Lock & Dam 239-694-5451 or 863-662-9908.