Eagle River, Michigan – Dangerous marine conditions are intensifying along Lake Superior’s northern Keweenaw coast, where powerful fall winds and high waves are expected to peak Tuesday night. The National Weather Service in Marquette has extended a Small Craft Advisory through 5 p.m. Tuesday, followed by a Gale Warning in effect from 5 p.m. Tuesday to 8 a.m. Wednesday for waters from Eagle River to Manitou Island.
According to the weather service, west winds of 10 to 20 knots with gusts to 30 knots will shift north this evening and strengthen to 20 to 25 knots, producing gusts up to 35 knots and waves of 8 to 10 feet. These conditions will make navigation dangerous for smaller vessels and challenging even for larger craft in exposed waters.
Forecasters warn of sharply reduced visibility in blowing spray and developing rain showers. The U.S. Coast Guard and local harbor authorities are urging mariners to remain in port or seek safe harbor before winds increase late Tuesday. Locations from Eagle River to Copper Harbor may experience breaking surf and shoreline erosion as waves pound the rocky coast.
Winds are expected to ease by sunrise Wednesday, though lingering swells will keep the nearshore waters rough through mid-morning. Another storm system could bring renewed gusty conditions later in the week as the fall pattern remains active across the Upper Great Lakes.
