Weather officials say strengthening winds will make swimming or boating hazardous in parts of lakes Michigan and Huron Monday, July 7, and have issued beach hazard statements and small craft advisories.
“The swim risk is likely to increase later in the day as winds strengthen and waves build toward 3 to 5 feet. Winds will be from the northwest late in the day,” the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids said. “Some of the beaches with a relatively higher swim risk today include Muskegon State Park, Holland State Park, and South Haven North Beach.”
Lake Michigan beach warnings will be in place through the evening of July 7 for Muskegon, Ottawa, Allegan, Van Buren and Berrien counties.
“Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions and do not venture out on piers,” the NWS said. “Please check with your local authorities on potential beach closures. Strong currents can pull swimmers into deeper water and high waves can batter and exhaust swimmers trying to swim back to land.”
A hazardous weather outlook is in effect on July 7 from Muskegon to South Haven, and small craft advisories are in effect from 4-10 p.m. on July 7 from St. Joseph to Whitehall along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
“Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions,” the NWS said.
Wind gusts are expected to reach up to 28 mph, creating 2-5 foot waves and strong currents.
“A strong southward flowing longshore current is expected, in addition to life-threatening rip currents withing the sandbars and structural currents near piers or break walls (particularly the north side),” the NWS said.
“There is a High Swim Risk for southern and southeast Lake Michigan beaches today!” the NWS northern Indiana office warned. “Stay out of the water! Strong structural and rip currents are expected, especially on the north side of piers.”
In addition, portions of Lake Huron have a moderate swim risk on July 7 along the shoreline of Huron and Iosco counties because of expected 2-4 foot waves.
Here’s more on beach hazards and small craft advisories in Michigan:
Michigan radar: current conditions
How can I check beach conditions in Michigan?
The NWS’ interactive beach hazards map for the Great Lakes is a tool to check before heading to the beach. The map forecasts wave height, winds, max temperature and UV index. In addition is includes links to learn more about currents, water quality and incident statistics.
What does a small craft advisory mean?
A small craft advisory is issued when there are expected sustained winds of 22 knots or frequent gusts of 25 knots or greater, or combined seas of 10 feet or more.
Small crafts include owners of small to medium sized motor and sail boats, affecting fisherman, para-sailors, windsurfers and canoe paddlers.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Strong winds will make swimming, boating hazardous on July 7. What you need to know
Reporting by Sarah Moore, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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