Cleveland, Ohio – Swimmers along the Lake Erie shoreline could face life-threatening rip currents Saturday as strong winds stir dangerous water conditions from Cleveland to Erie, Pennsylvania.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, a Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect from 6 a.m. through Saturday evening for Cuyahoga, Lorain, Erie, Lake, and Ashtabula Counties in Ohio, as well as Northern Erie County in Pennsylvania. The agency warns of a high risk of rip currents, with swimmers advised to stay out of the water entirely.
Waves and wind are expected to create strong currents that can quickly pull swimmers away from shore, especially near piers, jetties, and sandbars. Conditions may look calm on the surface but can turn dangerous within seconds.
Officials urge beachgoers to obey posted warnings, avoid wading or swimming, and keep children well away from the water. Emergency services may have limited capacity to perform water rescues due to hazardous wave action.
The high rip current threat is expected to subside by Saturday night, but further advisories may follow if lake conditions remain unstable.
