Another dangerous day expected on Lake Michigan

Another dangerous day for swimming is expected along Lake Michigan on Thursday. The conditions will be nearly identical to what we saw late Saturday and Sunday.

The National Weather Service has already issued a "Beach Hazards Statement" for both Berrien County and La Porte County in anticipation of the dangerous swimming condition. Lake County and Porter County in Indiana, as well as Van Buren, Allegan, Ottawa, and Muskegon Counties in Michigan also have that alert in place.

Northwesterly winds are expected to develop by late morning and last all day into Thursday night. Winds are expected to be 10-20 mph with gusts to 25 mph possible. This will allow for waves of 2-4' and possibly 4-6' to develop by the afternoon hours.

Waves of that magnitude combined with blustery winds and a record Lake Michigan water level will allow for dangerous currents to materialize during the afternoon, evening and nighttime hours of Thursday. 

It is encouraged to stay out of the water on Thursday, and avoid piers and jetties. Waves will crash up and over them, increasing the chance of slipping and falling into the lake. 

Conditions are expected to improve by Friday with waves of 1-3'. By the weekend, waves are only expected to be around 1 foot or so.