Overview

• NWS issued beach hazard statements for counties along Lakes Michigan and Erie in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania, impacting over 9 million residents.
• Advisories caution of high waves up to 9 feet coupled with strong rip currents and longshore currents that can quickly sweep swimmers offshore.
• NWS Cleveland meteorologist Douglas Kahn attributed the dangerous swells to northeasterly winds arriving late Wednesday into Thursday.
• Beach hazard statements remain in effect through Friday, with officials urging inexperienced swimmers and water sport participants to stay out of the water.
• The region has seen 45 drownings so far this year, underscoring the critical need to heed NWS warnings.