DULUTH, Minn. – A powerful fall gale will roar across western Lake Superior on Sunday, bringing winds up to 45 knots and waves exceeding 10 feet along the Minnesota and Wisconsin shores. The National Weather Service in Duluth has issued Gale Warnings for the nearshore and open waters from Grand Portage to Saxon Harbor, including the Apostle Islands and Chequamegon Bay, in effect 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday.
According to forecasters, the system will intensify through the morning, producing sustained southwest winds of 25 to 35 knots with higher gusts. The largest waves are expected between Taconite Harbor and Silver Bay, where exposed points could see breakers up to 11 feet. Farther south, conditions will remain hazardous across Duluth Harbor and Chequamegon Bay, where visibility will be reduced in spray and blowing waves.
Mariners are strongly advised to remain in port or seek safe harbor, as small vessels could capsize in open water. Beachgoers along the North Shore should also stay clear of piers and jetties, where large waves and strong currents can sweep people into the lake.
Winds will gradually subside late Sunday night into early Monday, but lingering swells will keep nearshore conditions rough through Monday morning before calming midweek.
