Life-threatening swimming conditions are expected along much of the Lake Michigan shoreline through Wednesday evening, with waves reaching as high as 7 feet in some areas.
3 Things To Know
- DANGEROUS WAVES: Waves of 3 to 6 feet are expected along southeastern Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan shoreline, with waves reaching 4 to 7 feet farther south near Chicago.
- STAY OUT OF THE WATER: Dangerous longshore and structural currents are expected, with rip currents also possible. Stay out of the lake and away from piers, breakwalls and other shoreline structures.
- HOW LONG: The Beach Hazards Statement continues through Wednesday evening from Sheboygan County south through Kenosha County. In Door, Kewaunee and Manitowoc counties, the statement continues until midnight Tuesday.
Beach Hazards Statements stretch from Door County south through southeastern Wisconsin and into the Chicago area as high waves and dangerous currents make conditions hazardous for swimmers and anyone venturing onto piers or breakwalls.
Southeastern Wisconsin: Waves of 3 to 6 Feet
The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan says a Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect through Wednesday evening for:
- Sheboygan County
- Ozaukee County
- Milwaukee County
- Racine County
- Kenosha County
Waves of 3 to 6 feet are expected along with dangerous currents.
The combination of high waves and onshore winds will create dangerous swimming conditions. Strong structural and longshore currents are expected, while rip currents are also possible.
The National Weather Service is urging people to stay out of the water and away from piers and breakwalls.
Door, Kewaunee and Manitowoc Counties
Farther north, a Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect until midnight Tuesday along Lake Michigan in Door, Kewaunee and Manitowoc counties.
High waves and dangerous currents could pull swimmers into deeper water. Waves may also be strong enough to sweep people off piers.
The National Weather Service identified several beaches particularly susceptible to dangerous conditions:
- Rock Island State Beach, Baileys Harbor beaches and Whitefish Dunes Beach in Door County
- Crescent Beach and City of Kewaunee Beach in Kewaunee County
- Point Beach, Neshotah Beach and Red Arrow Beach in Manitowoc County
People are advised to remain out of the water while hazardous conditions continue.
Waves Reach 4 to 7 Feet Near Chicago
Dangerous conditions also extend south into northeastern Illinois.
A Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect through Wednesday evening for Lake County and portions of Cook County.
Waves of 4 to 7 feet and dangerous currents are occurring or expected at Lake Michigan beaches. The National Weather Service in Chicago says swimming conditions will be life-threatening, particularly for inexperienced swimmers.
Beachgoers should remain out of the water and avoid piers, jetties, breakwalls and other shoreline structures.
Why Piers and Breakwalls Are Dangerous
High waves can unexpectedly wash across shoreline structures, knocking people into the lake. Once in the water, strong currents and breaking waves can make it extremely difficult to get back to shore.
Even people who do not plan to swim should keep a safe distance from the water’s edge when waves are running this high.
Bottom line: Lake Michigan may look impressive over the next day, but the safest place to watch the waves is from well back on shore. Track the conditions on our Live Stream page.
