HOLLAND, MI - A cold front zipping down from Canada will bring gusty, quick-changing winds that are forecast to create extremely dangerous swimming conditions along the entire length of Lake Michigan’s shoreline on Thursday and Friday, the National Weather Service said.
It’s predicted to be the first big wave event of meteorological fall, with waves expected to be 4 to 7 feet during the day on Thursday, and building to 8 feet by Thursday night. High waves are expected from the southern end of Lake Michigan all the way up the coast to Emmet County to the north. On Friday, waves will fall back into the 4 to 7-foot range before starting to subside Friday night.
Meteorologists at the NWS Grand Rapids office didn’t mince words in describing the danger to those thinking about heading into the lake for a swim the next two days.
“If you enter the water or walk out onto the piers, you are putting your life, and the lives of first responders, at risk. Very large waves ... strong currents, and gusty winds will make swimming, operating small craft, and venturing out onto piers extremely dangerous. Beach and pier closures are typical in this type of situation. The combination of high water levels and large waves may also result in minor flooding and erosion along the Lakeshore.”
Specific dangers include:
- Waves will wash onto piers and could sweep people into the water
- Piers will be submerged at times
- Beach and pier closures typical in this situation
- High water levels and large waves may result in minor flooding and erosion along the Lakeshore
- Strong winds and wave direction start out from the southwest Thursday morning, then switch to northwest late Thursday evening through Friday.
The NWS forecast shows winds are expected to blow at 20 to 30 mph on Thursday, but some gusts could be as high as 45 mph.
READ MORE
Beach erosion along Lake Michigan remains serious threat despite water levels peaking
"8" - Google News
September 03, 2020 at 05:28PM
https://ift.tt/2DoEnqQ
8-foot waves, ‘extremely dangerous’ swimming conditions forecast for Lake Michigan - MLive.com
"8" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2z1PBPz
https://ift.tt/3c1rzCJ
No comments:
Post a Comment