Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Waves up to 19 feet and wind gusts nearing 50 knots are expected to slam Lake Michigan by Sunday evening, creating dangerous conditions for vessels from Wisconsin to Michigan and Illinois.
According to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan, a Gale Warning remains in effect Sunday before escalating to a Storm Warning beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday and lasting until 10 p.m. Monday across much of Lake Michigan. East winds of 25 to 35 knots with gusts up to 50 knots will shift north to northwest overnight, rapidly building waves between 14 and 19 feet across open waters.
The worst conditions will impact the northern two-thirds of Lake Michigan, including waters offshore from Two Rivers, Sheboygan, and Port Washington, where large waves and powerful wind shifts could capsize smaller vessels. Farther south near Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, and toward Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, mariners will still encounter 25 to 35 knot winds and waves as high as 12 feet through early Tuesday.
Another threat arrives early Monday. The NWS warns heavy freezing spray will begin around 4 a.m. Monday, with ice forming at rates of 2 centimeters per hour on decks and equipment. Rapid ice buildup can disable electronics, jam mechanical systems, and destabilize vessels.
Harbor officials urge boaters to remain in port, secure vessels, and avoid open water travel until conditions improve.
Warnings remain active through early Tuesday morning, and additional marine advisories could follow as the system moves across the Great Lakes.
