Beach hazard warning in effect in Berrien and La Porte counties
Beaches in Berrien and La Porte counties are open, but swimming is discouraged because of high waves and strong rip currents in Lake Michigan.
The dangerous conditions prompted this warning from Washington Park lifeguards:
The National Weather Service issued a beach hazard statement for Berrien and La Porte counties on Sunday that continues through Monday night.
Winds of 15-25 mph are expected to generate waves of 4-8 feet. There is also the possibility of lakeshore flooding.
Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from the shore which occur most often at low spots or breaks in sandbars. Rip currents can sweep you into deeper water.
Structural currents form along piers where longshore currents and wave action flow into the structure. Structural currents can sweep you out into deeper water along the pier structure.
La Porte County - Including the beaches of Mt. Baldy, Washington Park, and Long Beach
Monday
Swim Hazard Risk....HIGH
Waves...............5 to 7 feet
Water Temperature...77 degrees
Sky/weather.........Mostly sunny
Max Temperature.....Around 74
Beach Winds.........Breezy. North winds 20 to 25 mph
UVI Index...........8 - Very High
A high risk of swimming hazards means that life threatening waves and currents are expected. Stay out of the water, and stay away from dangerous areas like piers and breakwalls.
Berrien- Including the beaches of Silver Beach, Warren Dunes and New Buffalo
Monday
Swim Hazard Risk....HIGH
Waves...............5 to 7 feet
Water Temperature...77 degrees
Sky/weather.........Mostly sunny
Max Temperature.....Around 73
Beach Winds.........Breezy. North winds 15 to 25 mph
UVI Index...........8 - Very High
A high risk of swimming hazards means that life threatening waves and currents are expected. Stay out of the water, and stay away from dangerous areas like piers and breakwalls.
Both beaches are scheduled to return to low swim risk on Tuesday.
