CLEVELAND, Ohio – Lake Erie’s shoreline poses serious risks Saturday as rip currents threaten swimmers and boaters from Cuyahoga to Ashtabula Counties. Officials warn residents to stay out of the water until late tonight.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, a Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect from noon until early Sunday morning. Strong winds and wave action are expected to create rip currents capable of pulling swimmers away from shore and along piers. Officials stress that even experienced swimmers should avoid entering the lake.
Drivers near I-90 and along the Lake Erie shoreline could face brief visibility issues as gusts push spray inland. While inland areas stay mostly sunny through Saturday afternoon, conditions change quickly by Sunday with increasing clouds and rising storm chances.
Showers and thunderstorms move into northern Ohio late Sunday, with heavier rainfall and stronger storms developing Monday. Some storms could drop between a quarter and half an inch of rain, with locally higher amounts. The greatest risk for lightning and ponding on roads arrives Monday afternoon into Tuesday.
Residents should prepare now by charging devices, clearing outdoor drains, and limiting lake activity through the weekend. Boaters should secure vessels, and beachgoers should plan indoor alternatives as storm chances rise.
Unsettled weather continues into midweek, with scattered storms Tuesday and showers lingering through Wednesday. Drier air may arrive late Thursday into Friday.
Five Day Forecast for Cleveland, Ohio
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 78. Rip current risk along Lake Erie.
- Sunday: Showers likely, storms after 5 p.m. High 84.
- Monday: Thunderstorms likely after 11 a.m., heavy rain possible. High 76.
- Tuesday: Showers and storms early, then scattered showers. High 74.
- Wednesday: Chance of showers, partly cloudy. High 71.
