CLEVELAND, Ohio – The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a Gale Warning for Lake Erie east of The Islands from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday, with sustained east-northeast winds of 25 to 35 knots and gusts exceeding 40 knots expected. The powerful winds will create hazardous conditions for small craft and could produce waves of 8 to 12 feet across the central and eastern basins.
According to the National Weather Service, the strongest winds are likely to occur Thursday afternoon and evening as a low-pressure system deepens over the Great Lakes. The risk for gale-force winds (greater than 34 knots) is highest—60 to 80 percent—over the central basin near Cleveland and Lorain, while eastern sections toward Erie and Dunkirk hold a 20 to 40 percent chance.
Conditions will remain dangerous for mariners through late Thursday night before winds shift to the northwest on Friday, maintaining gusts between 30 and 35 knots and rough, choppy seas. Those with smaller vessels are urged to stay in port until winds subside.
“Any unprotected craft could face serious risk on the lake,” the agency cautioned. “Mariners should monitor updated marine forecasts and heed all warnings.”
Residents along the shore should expect large waves and possible minor coastal flooding in exposed areas, particularly near Mentor, Fairport Harbor, and Ashtabula.
Winds are expected to gradually diminish Friday afternoon as colder, drier air settles into the region for the weekend.
