Grand Haven, MI – Boaters along Lake Michigan are facing near-zero visibility early Tuesday, with dense fog making navigation dangerous just hours before stronger winds and waves take over.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 8 a.m. Tuesday for nearshore waters from St. Joseph to Manistee, where visibility has dropped below one nautical mile. A Small Craft Advisory continues through 4 a.m. Wednesday as south winds increase to 10 to 20 knots, with gusts up to 30 knots and waves building between 1 and 4 feet.
Harbors and nearshore areas including South Haven, Holland, Muskegon, and Pentwater will see the greatest impacts, especially during the early morning hours when fog is thickest. Conditions will shift later today as winds increase, creating choppier waters and continued hazards for smaller vessels.
Mariners are urged to delay trips if possible. Those already on the water should use radar, navigation lights, and sound signals while moving at reduced speeds.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve after sunrise for visibility, but rough waters will persist into early Wednesday, with additional advisories possible.
