Cleveland, Ohio – High waves and strong westerly winds are creating hazardous marine conditions along the Lake Erie shoreline today, with rip currents and dangerous surf threatening swimmers and small craft operators.
According to the National Weather Service Cleveland, a Small Craft Advisory is in effect through this evening from Maumee Bay to Ripley, New York, with west winds reaching 15 to 25 knots and wave heights building to 4 to 7 feet. A separate Beach Hazards Statement remains active for Erie County, Ohio, stretching into Erie County, Pennsylvania, where a high risk of rip currents is expected through Thursday night.
Cleveland and surrounding coastal communities are urged to avoid swimming in the lake and keep away from piers, breakwalls, and river outlets. Conditions are especially dangerous for kayaks, paddleboards, and small vessels. Emergency management warns that even strong swimmers may struggle in these conditions.
The weather service advises residents and visitors to obey all posted closures and beach warnings. These conditions are expected to persist until winds subside overnight.
More advisories could follow if wave action intensifies or if new wind gust patterns emerge.
