Storm Warning Issued for Lake Michigan Nearshore from Winthrop Harbor to Gary

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Chicago IL has issued a Storm Warning for the nearshore waters of Lake Michigan. This alert is issued alongside two separate Gale Warnings covering the period before and after the peak storm conditions.

Affected Areas

The warning affects the following geographic regions along the Lake Michigan shoreline:

• Winthrop Harbor to Wilmette Harbor, IL
• Wilmette Harbor to Northerly Island, IL
• Northerly Island to Calumet Harbor, IL
• Calumet Harbor, IL to Gary, IN

What You Should Do

Mariners are urged to take immediate precautions. The NWS instructs that mariners should remain in port, alter course, and/or secure their vessels for severe conditions. Storm-force winds and hazardous waves are capable of capsizing or damaging vessels and will significantly reduce visibility.

Expected Conditions

Conditions will vary throughout the alert period:

• Storm Warning Period: West winds up to 50 knots are expected. Significant waves will reach 8 feet, with occasional waves up to 10 feet.
• Initial Gale Warning: Southwest winds up to 45 knots with waves between 8 and 10 feet.
• Final Gale Warning: Northwest winds up to 45 knots with waves between 6 and 8 feet.

Timeline

The weather event follows a specific progression on Friday, March 13:

• First Gale Warning: Effective from 10:00 PM Thursday to 4:00 AM CDT Friday.
• Storm Warning: Effective from 4:00 AM to 4:00 PM CDT Friday.
• Second Gale Warning: Effective from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM CDT Friday.