November gales arrived on schedule in Michigan as 60 mph wind gusts were recorded Sunday, Nov. 2 as gale warnings went up across the Great Lakes through Monday, Nov. 3.
“Quiet weather today (Nov. 4) for northern Michigan. It will be breezy, though not as windy as Monday was,” posted the National Weather Service in Gaylord on X on Nov. 4. “Rain is expected late tonight into Wednesday (Nov. 5), along with cooler temperatures. Thursday (Nov. 6) will be mostly dry, but still cool. Rain likely returns on Friday (Nov. 7).”
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula recorded the highest wind speed — 60 mph Sunday night, Nov. 2, at the Rock of Ages lighthouse off the coast of Isle Royale National Park, in the northwest portion of Lake Superior. Granite Island, near Marquette, saw 59 mph winds Sunday night, Nov. 2.
In the Lower Peninsula, Mackinac Island, Frankfort, Leland, and Ludington saw 49-47 mph winds. The high winds prompted the Mackinac Bridge Authority to require slow speeds and escorts for high-profile vehicles.
Small craft advisories are in place for Tuesday, Nov. 4, for the shores of Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, northern Lake Huron and the Saginaw Bay area.
“Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions,” the NWS said.
A gale watch is in place through Wednesday, Nov. 5, for northern Lake Huron and eastern Lake Superior with the forecast calling for 34 mph wind gusts creating dangerous waves. East of the Mackinac Bridge to Presque Isle Lighthouse 12-17 foot waves are expected on Lake Huron.
Here’s how strong the winds were this week.
How windy did it get this week in Michigan?
Here’s a list of wind gusts observed in Michigan from Nov. 2-3, according to NWS’s local storm reports:
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Winds on Lake Superior nearly reached hurricane strength. Where gusts hit 60 mph
Reporting by Sarah Moore, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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