Grand Rapids, Michigan – Beachgoers along Lake Michigan are urged to stay out of the water through 8 a.m. Wednesday as waves up to 7 feet slam the shoreline north of Holland, creating life-threatening currents and hypothermia risks.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, a strong northerly wind pattern is generating hazardous surf and dangerous currents from Holland to Manistee. Red-level swim advisories are in effect for much of the shoreline, where wave heights exceed 6 feet and lake temperatures remain in the upper 40s—cold enough to cause hypothermia in minutes.
The highest danger zones include beaches near Grand Haven, Muskegon, Ludington, and Pentwater, with red warning zones extending northward. Yellow caution advisories are posted farther south, including South Haven and St. Joseph, where waves are between 2 and 4 feet.
Officials strongly advise against entering the water and urge beach visitors to stay off piers and breakwalls, which can be overtopped by crashing waves. Parents should keep children well away from the shoreline.
These hazardous swim conditions are expected to ease after 8 a.m. Wednesday, but updates may follow if wind patterns persist.
