The same storm system that’s churning across half the U.S. – and creating blizzard conditions in the Upper Peninsula today – is forecast to stir up nearly 20-foot waves on Lake Michigan and Lake Huron later today and into early Thursday.
Gale Warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service for both big lakes. And while there’s very little freighter traffic on the Great Lakes right now that could be hampered by these conditions, big wave events always pose a risk to ice fisherman on the bays and the wave enthusiasts who often gather near the shoreline for these big shows of Mother Nature’s power.
Here are the details:
Lake Michigan: The Gale Warnings will extend the entire length of the lake. They are in effect from late this afternoon to mid-morning on Thursday. Gusty winds could top 50 mph, with waves building to the 15 to 19-foot range, the NWS said.
In addition, a Wind Advisory has been issued for counties along the Lake Michigan shoreline, from St. Joe up to Ludington. That runs from 7 p.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Thursday. Winds could hold steady in the 20 to 30 mph range, with gusts to 50 mph. These high winds could be a problem for drivers, and could take down tree limbs and cause power outages, the weather service said.
Lake Huron: A Gale Warning and a Freezing Spray Warning are both on deck for Lake Huron today and Thursday. Gale-force winds could whip across the lake from 2 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday. Wind gusts could reach 42 mph. Waves could build from 13 to 19 feet high.
The NWS also issued a caution about unstable ice.
- Saginaw Bay: All areas but especially closer to Outer Bay
- Lake St. Clair: Areas near the Detroit River
- Western Lake Erie: Along the entire Monroe County shoreline
