Weather
Michigan Weather Alert: 17-Foot Lake Huron Waves Possible Tuesday as Gale Watch Takes Effect at 4 A.M.
Detroit, Michigan – Boaters could encounter waves as high as 17 feet on north central Lake Huron Tuesday as strengthening winds create hazardous conditions, while dangerous swimming conditions affect
By Country Herald Consumer Safety Desk · 2026-09-13T20:23:36.474Z
Detroit, Michigan – Boaters could encounter waves as high as 17 feet on north central Lake Huron Tuesday as strengthening winds create hazardous conditions, while dangerous swimming conditions affect parts of Michigan’s shoreline through Monday morning.
According to the National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac office, a Gale Watch covers north central Lake Huron from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday. South winds could reach 30 knots with gusts up to 38 knots, producing significant waves of 9 to 12 feet and maximum waves near 17 feet.
Small Craft Advisories affect several waterways before then. Outer Saginaw Bay remains under an advisory from 4 p.m. Sunday until 8 a.m. Monday, while waters from Port Austin to Port Huron remain affected until 11 a.m. Monday. Advisories also cover Inner Saginaw Bay, Lake St. Clair and Michigan waters of Lake Erie for shorter periods Sunday night.
Northwest winds associated with the small craft hazards could reach 20 knots with gusts near 30 knots. Significant waves of 3 to 5 feet are expected, with maximum waves reaching 8 feet.
Inexperienced mariners, particularly those using smaller vessels, should avoid hazardous waters. Swimmers should also heed beach warnings and local restrictions.
Conditions become especially concerning early Tuesday as southerly winds strengthen over Lake Huron, with the Gale Watch continuing through 4 p.m.