Weather

Actions

High winds create record waves on Lake Michigan

Posted at 6:42 PM, Oct 31, 2014
and last updated 2014-10-31 19:08:18-04

CHICAGO — Strong winds created large swells on Lake Michigan Friday. Gale Warnings and Storm Warnings were issued Thursday for Lake Michigan in advance of a strong low-pressure center as waves were expected to reach up to 20 feet and on Friday it wasn’t hard to reach that forecast.

The southern Lake Michigan buoy, just west of Saugatuck recorded a wave height of 21.7 feet. That ties the second highest wave height ever recorded on that buoy.

Southern Lake Michigan was hit especially hard thanks to persistent northerly winds, waves even piled up on Lake Shore Drive in Downtown Chicago. Waves started crashing across the lanes of traffic prompting officials to close parts of the busy highway for a period of time.

Winds will stay gusty throughout the evening before calming Saturday as dry conditions return to West Michigan.

For you complete weekend forecast: http://fox17online.com/weather/