Dangerous lakefront waves could reach 13 feet high: forecasters
Strong winds drive high waves pound the shoreline on Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois. (Bilgin S. Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images / Getty Images)
CHICAGO - Swimmers and boaters are urged to avoid Lake Michigan while windy weather kicks up powerful, dangerous waves.
A small water craft advisory is in effect until 4 p.m. Wednesday from Wilmette to Calumet Harbor, according to the National Weather Service.
Meanwhile, a lakeshore flood advisory in Chicago remains in effect until 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Northerly winds could reach 30 knots and waves as high as 13 feet tall, the weather service warned.
“Inexperienced mariners … especially those operating smaller vessels should avoid navigating in these conditions,” meteorologists said in the weather service’s advisory.
Earlier Monday, the weather service warned of a “waterspout” threat to boaters, referring to a rotating column of water formed by a whirlwind over water.
While the waterspout warning expired at 9:15 a.m. Monday, a threat of high wind and waves remained.
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There’s a 40% chance of rain in Chicago for the rest of Monday, the weather service said.
The remainder of the week is forecast to be dry until Friday night, when there’s a slight risk of thunderstorms.