Grand Rapids, MI – A Gale Warning remains in effect along the Lake Michigan shoreline from St. Joseph to Manistee as strong west winds continue to batter the region Tuesday afternoon into early Thursday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, winds are expected to range between 25 and 35 knots, with gusts reaching up to 45 knots. Waves on Lake Michigan are forecast to build between 8 and 14 feet, creating extremely hazardous conditions for all vessels.
The warning remains in place until 2 a.m. EDT Thursday, October 23. Forecasters warn that strong winds could cause large waves capable of capsizing or damaging smaller boats and reducing visibility for mariners.
The NWS advises all boaters to remain in port or seek safe harbor until conditions improve. Those on the water are urged to secure their vessels and avoid open areas of the lake during the gale period.
These dangerous lake conditions follow a stretch of unseasonably windy weather across West Michigan, with additional small craft advisories possible as winds shift later in the week.
