GAYLORD, Mich. – Dangerous fall gales are surging across the Great Lakes this Sunday, bringing powerful southwest winds and towering waves that will continue through Monday evening. The National Weather Service in Gaylord has issued Gale Warnings for Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, the Straits of Mackinac, and Whitefish Bay, where gusts could reach 45 knots and waves climb as high as 14 feet.
According to forecasters, the strongest winds are expected this evening through early Monday morning, particularly along the Lake Michigan shoreline from Manistee to Mackinac Bridge and across the Straits of Mackinac near Mackinac Island. Winds will shift from southwest to west on Monday, maintaining hazardous conditions for mariners and ferry operations.
The NWS advises small craft and commercial vessels to remain in port or seek safe harbor as conditions worsen. Visibility will be reduced in blowing spray and waves large enough to damage docks or capsize smaller boats. Travel across the Mackinac Bridge could also become hazardous to high-profile vehicles during the peak wind period.
Winds will begin to ease late Monday night as the fall storm system slides east, leaving behind cooler, calmer weather for midweek.
