CLEVELAND, Ohio – Swimmers and boaters face dangerous conditions today as strong rip currents churn along Lake Erie’s Ohio shoreline. The National Weather Service warns that currents could pull people away from shore, creating life-threatening hazards for anyone entering the water.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, a Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect through this afternoon for Cuyahoga, Lorain, Lake, and Ashtabula counties in Ohio and northern Erie County in Pennsylvania. Gusty winds and wave action will strengthen rip currents, particularly near breakwalls, piers, and sandbars. Officials urge swimmers to stay out of the water and for boaters to use extra caution.
Travelers along I-90 and lakeshore routes may also encounter reduced visibility near the shoreline as waves spray onto roadways. Authorities recommend avoiding lakeshore parks and piers until conditions improve.
Thunderstorms are also in play today. Morning storms could drop up to a quarter inch of rain in Cleveland, Lorain, and Mentor before skies gradually clear. Winds may gust up to 30 mph, creating rough lake conditions through the afternoon.
Friday looks calmer but breezy, with increasing clouds and a high near 77. Football fans heading to Friday night games should prepare for spotty evening showers. By Saturday, skies turn partly sunny, giving northeast Ohio a true taste of early fall weather.
Conditions improve Sunday into next week, with highs in the low 80s under mostly sunny skies.
Warnings remain in effect through this afternoon, and updates are expected as lake conditions evolve.
Five-Day Forecast for Cleveland, Ohio
- Friday: Increasing clouds, high near 77. Evening showers possible.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 67.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 85.
- Monday: Sunny, high near 84.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 72.
