Grand Rapids, MI – The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids has issued a Storm Warning for the Lake Michigan nearshore waters as powerful winds and hazardous waves are set to develop late Tuesday night through early Thursday morning.
According to the alert, a Gale Warning goes into effect at 1 a.m. Wednesday and continues until 7 a.m., followed by a Storm Warning from 7 a.m. Wednesday to 1 a.m. Thursday. The warnings cover the nearshore waters from St. Joseph north to Manistee, impacting western Michigan communities including South Haven, Holland, Grand Haven, and Pentwater.
Forecasters expect west winds increasing to 50 knots (nearly 60 mph), with waves reaching between 14 and 20 feet. The National Weather Service warns that storm-force winds and high surf will make conditions life-threatening for mariners, with the potential to capsize or damage vessels and sharply reduce visibility.
Winds will build overnight Tuesday into early Wednesday as a deep low-pressure system sweeps across the Great Lakes. By Wednesday morning, gusts will reach storm-force intensity, continuing through Wednesday night before slowly diminishing early Thursday.
The combination of strong winds and heavy waves will pose risks not only for boaters but also for beach erosion and dangerous surf along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Officials urge anyone with small craft or vessels to stay in port and secure equipment before conditions deteriorate.
Mariners and shoreline residents are encouraged to monitor weather.gov/grr and local marine forecasts for real-time updates as the system approaches.
