Chicago, Illinois – Life-threatening swimming conditions will take hold along the Illinois and northwest Indiana shoreline by Wednesday afternoon, with waves on Lake Michigan swelling to 9 feet and powerful currents making the water extremely hazardous through Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, strengthening northeast winds will rapidly worsen conditions by mid-afternoon Wednesday, affecting beachgoers from Waukegan to Gary. A Beach Hazards Statement is now in effect, warning residents to stay out of the water due to high wave action and dangerous rip currents.
The highest risk zones include popular areas like Chicago’s North Avenue Beach, Evanston’s Lighthouse Beach, and Indiana’s shoreline near Chesterton and New Buffalo. Boaters are also urged to remain off the water due to hazardous wave action.
Swimmers should obey all posted signs and lifeguard instructions. Officials strongly advise avoiding piers, breakwalls, and jetties, where structural currents could prove deadly.
The NWS warns that these conditions are expected to persist through Friday afternoon. Additional statements may be issued if wave heights or winds increase further.
