Beware of high waves on Lake Michigan near piers, jetties and other shoreline structures. (WTTW News)
The National Weather Service is warning people in the Chicago area, northwest Indiana and southwest Michigan to stay out of Lake Michigan on Tuesday due to 4- to 6-foot-high waves and strong rip currents. And that applies not just to beachgoers.
Piers, jetties, breakwalls, shoreline structures and lakefront paths also pose a danger, according to the weather service, particularly piers, where currents can pull people into deeper water. Waves can also sweep people into the water.
“Steer clear of the pier” is the weather service's mantra for the day.
More than 80% of drownings in the Great Lakes between 2002 and 2016 occurred when waves were 3- to 6-feet high, according to weather service data.
Here's some great information about currents around piers. Drownings in the Great Lakes are most frequent when waves are 4-6 feet, as are occurring today. Stay out of the water! https://t.co/OOsObFfgZp
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) August 18, 2020
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