Dangerous Lake Michigan Conditions: Stay Out of Water Through Wednesday

Residents and visitors in Lake, Northern Cook, and Central Cook Counties are advised to remain out of Lake Michigan waters due to a Beach Hazards Statement issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Chicago IL.

The statement, effective from 9:43 PM CDT on Friday, September 20, and continuing through Wednesday evening, September 23, warns of high wave action and dangerous currents. Waves are expected to reach 6 to 9 feet, creating life-threatening swimming conditions, particularly for inexperienced swimmers.

The NWS explicitly instructs the public to remain out of the water to avoid these dangerous conditions. Additionally, individuals should not venture out onto piers, jetties, breakwalls, or other shoreline structures as these areas will also be hazardous.

This advisory covers Lake County, Northern Cook County, and Central Cook County. The NWS emphasizes that these conditions will make swimming life-threatening.