Boaters and mariners across Southeast Michigan are urged to use extreme caution as Gale Warnings remain in effect through Friday evening for Lake Huron, according to the National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac office. In addition to the gale conditions, Small Craft Advisories and Low Water Advisories are impacting several nearby waterways, creating dangerous conditions for recreational and commercial vessels alike.
Gale Warnings cover Lake Huron open waters through 7 PM Friday, while nearshore waters remain under warning from midnight Friday through Friday evening. Sustained south to southeast winds of 20 to 30 knots are expected to intensify Friday morning, with gusts reaching 35 to 40 knots. These winds will generate significant wave heights of 9 to 14 feet, with occasional waves potentially reaching 20 feet, especially across open portions of Lake Huron.
Meanwhile, Small Craft Advisories are in effect for Lake Huron nearshore waters, Lake St. Clair, and western Lake Erie through early Friday afternoon. In addition, Low Water Advisories continue for Inner Saginaw Bay and western Lake Erie, where reduced water levels may create navigation hazards near docks, marinas, and shallow channels.
The combination of strong winds, high waves, and fluctuating water levels makes conditions particularly hazardous for smaller vessels, kayaks, and inexperienced boaters. Even larger vessels may experience difficult handling, especially in exposed waters.
Mariners are strongly advised to remain in port, secure vessels, and closely monitor the latest marine forecasts and warnings. Conditions are expected to gradually improve late Friday into Saturday, but hazardous marine weather will dominate through much of Friday.
Anyone planning marine activities should postpone travel until advisories are lifted and safer conditions return.
