Milwaukee, Wis. – Waterspouts may form across Lake Michigan from this morning through Monday, posing a hazard for boaters and anyone spending time on the water or shoreline. The National Weather Service warns that while these fair-weather waterspouts are weaker than tornadoes, they can still create dangerous conditions for small craft.
According to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan, conditions are favorable for waterspout development as unstable air interacts with the relatively warm lake surface. Waterspouts typically begin as dark disks on the water, forming spirals before rising into visible funnels that connect to the clouds above.
While most of these waterspouts remain short-lived, they can still produce strong winds over 40 knots, capable of overturning boats or sweeping swimmers into hazardous currents. Forecasters caution that if a waterspout is spotted, boaters should turn at a right angle away from its path and never attempt to navigate through it.
Residents along Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha shorelines should keep an eye on changing skies this weekend, as the greatest risk extends into Monday morning. Additional alerts may be issued if activity increases.
