Grand Rapids, Mich. – Dangerous swimming conditions will grip West Michigan beaches from late Thursday through Saturday morning as strong winds drive massive waves on Lake Michigan. Swimmers are urged to stay out of the water with waves expected to top 12 feet by Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, winds will increase to near 40 mph by Friday morning, creating life-threatening currents along beaches from South Haven north to Manistee. Officials warn that piers could be overrun by swells higher than 5 feet through Saturday.
Communities including Muskegon, Holland, Grand Haven, and Ludington are all under a high swim risk, marked as “Do Not Swim” by the NWS. The agency emphasizes that even experienced swimmers could be swept away by rip currents, and beachgoers should avoid piers, jetties, and breakwalls where waves will be strongest.
Travelers and boaters are also advised to use extreme caution. The storm-driven waves could impact harbor entrances and swamp small craft through the weekend.
The dangerous conditions are expected to persist into Saturday morning, with updates from the NWS continuing as needed.
