St. Joseph, Michigan – Boaters along the southeastern shoreline of Lake Michigan could face rapidly changing conditions beginning Tuesday afternoon as thunderstorms approach the nearshore waters.
According to the National Weather Service in Northern Indiana, scattered thunderstorms may develop late Tuesday afternoon and continue into the early overnight hours, with the potential for wind gusts exceeding 40 knots and large hail across the waters from Michigan City, Indiana, to New Buffalo and St. Joseph, Michigan.
These storms could quickly create hazardous conditions for boaters, producing steep waves and sudden wind shifts that reduce visibility and make navigation difficult. Mariners traveling near New Buffalo, St. Joseph, and Michigan City harbors should closely monitor weather alerts and be prepared to return to port quickly if storms approach.
Beyond the thunderstorm threat, small craft hazards are likely from Tuesday night through much of the week, with choppy waves and strong winds expected to persist into the weekend.
Additional marine hazards are also possible across Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake St. Clair, where forecasters say stronger storm systems arriving Friday and again Sunday could bring winds strong enough to require gale warnings.
Boaters should check the latest marine forecasts before heading onto the water and keep NOAA Weather Radio or mobile alerts active as conditions evolve through the week.
