Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Navigation across Lake Michigan has become hazardous as dense fog blankets the western basin, with near-zero visibility expected through 7 p.m. Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee, a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect for all open waters of Lake Michigan as well as nearshore zones from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, south to Winthrop Harbor, Illinois. Visibility is expected to remain at 1 nautical mile or less, with frequent pockets dropping below 1/4 NM.
Boaters navigating near Port Washington, Racine, Kenosha, and adjacent Illinois waters should proceed with extreme caution. Running lights must remain on, and mariners are advised to rely on radar, compass bearings, and proper fog signals to avoid collisions or grounding.
The fog poses serious risks for both recreational and commercial vessels, especially in areas without GPS or radar support. Officials recommend delaying non-essential trips and using shoreside monitoring equipment where possible.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve by Thursday evening, though lingering fog may persist into early Friday. Mariners should monitor additional updates from the National Weather Service.
