Chicago, Illinois – Boaters along the Illinois and northwest Indiana shoreline could face rapidly strengthening thunderstorms Tuesday evening as a severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for Lake Michigan’s nearshore waters until midnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 35 covers multiple marine zones along the southwestern portion of Lake Michigan. The watch includes waters from Winthrop Harbor south to Wilmette Harbor, the Chicago lakefront from Wilmette Harbor to Northerly Island, and areas extending south to Calumet Harbor and into northwest Indiana near Gary, Burns Harbor, and Michigan City.
Storms moving across northern Illinois could push directly over the lake during the evening hours, producing sudden wind gusts, lightning, and brief downpours capable of sharply reducing visibility. Nearshore waters up to 5 nautical miles offshore—from Winthrop Harbor through Chicago and southeast toward Michigan City—are included in the watch area.
Mariners departing harbors in Chicago, Waukegan, and nearby ports are urged to monitor radar and marine weather alerts closely. Rapidly developing thunderstorms can create hazardous waves and dangerous lightning conditions with little warning.
The watch remains in effect until midnight Tuesday night, and additional marine warnings could be issued if stronger storms develop over the lake during the evening.
