Milwaukee, WI – Boaters and mariners are being warned of extremely hazardous conditions on Lake Michigan beginning Wednesday morning, as storm-force winds and massive waves move across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan, a Storm Watch is in effect from Wednesday morning through late Wednesday night, followed by a Gale Warning from 3 a.m. Thursday to midnight Thursday night.
Forecasters expect west to northwest winds between 35 and 45 knots, with gusts approaching 50 knots and waves building to 17–22 feet across the southern and mid-lake waters. The northern half of the lake is expected to see slightly lower but still dangerous wave heights between 13 and 18 feet.
The strongest winds are likely from late Wednesday into early Thursday, creating life-threatening conditions for any vessels that remain offshore. The weather service advises all mariners to remain in port, secure vessels, and avoid unnecessary travel on the lake until conditions improve.
Winds and wave heights are expected to gradually subside late Thursday night as the system moves east across the Great Lakes.
