Weather
Wisconsin Gale Warning: Hazardous Lake Michigan Conditions Sunday Oct 18
Green Bay, WI – Dangerous boating conditions are developing across portions of Wisconsin&…
By Caleb Mercer · 2026-10-17T09:34:22.078Z
Green Bay, WI – Dangerous boating conditions are developing across portions of Wisconsin's Lake Michigan and Green Bay waters Saturday, October 17, as strengthening southwest winds threaten to produce waves reaching 9 feet and potentially gale force gusts through Sunday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Green Bay, persistent southwest winds will increase Saturday morning and afternoon, continuing into Sunday night. A Gale Warning and multiple Small Craft Advisories have been issued for affected marine areas.
Gale Warning Issued Near Door County
The National Weather Service forecasts sustained southwest winds of 15 to 25 knots, with gusts reaching 30 to 35 knots.
Gale force gusts are possible near Gills Rock, along the northern Door County shoreline, particularly from late Saturday night into Sunday evening.
A Gale Warning is in effect for Lake Michigan waters from Sturgeon Bay to Rock Island beginning at 4 a.m. Sunday, October 18, and continuing until 1 a.m. Monday, October 19.
Waves Could Reach 9 Feet on Lake Michigan
Increasing winds will generate hazardous wave conditions across the region.
Wave heights are forecast to build between 3 and 7 feet on Green Bay and 4 to 9 feet on Lake Michigan.
The combination of strong winds and building waves could make boating particularly dangerous for smaller vessels.
Small Craft Advisories Cover Additional Waters
Several marine advisories are also in effect:
Green Bay waters: 1 p.m. Saturday through 10 p.m. Sunday. Lake Michigan, Sturgeon Bay to Sheboygan: 1 p.m. Saturday through 1 a.m. Monday. Lake Michigan, Rock Island to Sturgeon Bay: 1 p.m. Saturday through 4 a.m. Sunday. Boaters near Sturgeon Bay, Gills Rock and surrounding Door County waters should closely monitor conditions before departing.
Hazardous Conditions Continue Into Sunday Night
The National Weather Service expects gusty southwest winds to persist through Sunday night before conditions begin improving.
Inexperienced boaters and operators of smaller vessels should consider postponing trips until winds and waves subside.
Residents and visitors can monitor updated marine warnings and forecasts at weather.gov/grb.