Special Marine Warning Issued for Lake Michigan Near Michigan City and New Buffalo

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana has issued a Special Marine Warning for southeastern Lake Michigan. This alert is effective immediately and remains in place until 12:15 AM EDT on Wednesday, March 11.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following maritime regions:

• Lake Michigan from Michigan City, IN to St. Joseph, MI, extending 5 NM offshore to the mid-line of the lake.
• Coastal waters from Michigan City, IN to New Buffalo, MI.
• Coastal waters from New Buffalo, MI to St. Joseph, MI.

Specific locations impacted include New Buffalo and Michigan City.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to move to safe harbor immediately. Gusty winds and suddenly higher waves are expected, which could damage small craft. Additionally, a Tornado Watch remains in effect until 2:00 AM EDT for northwestern Indiana, southwestern Michigan, and the adjacent waters of Lake Michigan.

Expected Conditions

According to radar, a line of strong thunderstorms was located at 10:47 PM EDT extending from 23 nm northwest of New Buffalo to 12 nm north of Burns Harbor to near Gary, moving east at 25 knots. Hazards include:

• Wind: Gusts up to 40 knots.
• Hail: Small hail is possible.
• Impact: Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning was issued at 10:47 PM EDT on March 10 and is scheduled to expire at 12:15 AM EDT on March 11.