Duluth, Minnesota – Boaters on western Lake Superior should brace for gusty easterly winds reaching up to 25 knots this afternoon, creating hazardous conditions that will persist through Thursday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, a Small Craft Advisory is in effect from Silver Bay to the Twin Ports and extending to Sand Island. The strongest winds and highest wave activity are expected in the Southwest Arm of the lake, particularly near Port Wing, Sand Island, and Two Harbors, where gusts may exceed 22 knots and waves could reach 2 feet by late afternoon.
The advisory, issued early Thursday, warns smaller vessels to remain docked and for recreational boaters to avoid open waters due to choppy conditions and sudden gusts. Wind speeds begin increasing around noon and remain elevated through at least 9 p.m., based on hourly forecasts.
Anyone planning lake activity today should wear life jackets, monitor marine radio updates, and secure all gear. This marks one of the stronger easterly events this summer, and conditions may deteriorate quickly.
Hazardous winds are expected to ease overnight, but additional alerts could be issued depending on shifting wind patterns.
