DETROIT, Mich. – Dangerous fall gales are expected to whip across Lake Huron and Saginaw Bay from late Sunday through Monday night, prompting the National Weather Service in Detroit/Pontiac to issue a Gale Warning for nearly the entire eastern Michigan shoreline. Winds will strengthen overnight and persist through Monday evening, creating rough and hazardous marine conditions.
According to the NWS, sustained west to southwest winds of 30 to 35 knots, with gusts approaching 40 knots, will generate waves up to 10 to 14 feet offshore and 5 to 7 feet in the inner Saginaw Bay. The strongest winds are expected Monday afternoon, while the largest waves will peak early Monday morning. These conditions will be dangerous for small boats and could result in damage to docks and vessels left unsecured.
Mariners are strongly advised to remain in port or seek safe harbor until winds ease Monday night. Visibility will be reduced in spray and higher waves, particularly from Port Austin to Port Huron and across the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
By Tuesday, winds are forecast to ease below gale strength, though choppy seas may linger into midweek before calming under high pressure.
