Beach Hazards Statement Issued for Southwest Michigan Counties
High waves and strong currents prompt officials to warn swimmers and pier visitors to stay out of dangerous Lake Michigan waters.
BENTON HARBOR, MICHIGAN — The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazards statement for Northern and Southern Berrien counties in Michigan and Northern La Porte County in Indiana, warning of dangerous swimming conditions and high wave action from 8:00 a.m. today through late tonight.
The warning, issued at 4:12 a.m. EDT on May 20 and remaining in effect until 2:00 a.m. EDT on May 21, alerts beachgoers to expect high wave action, strong currents, and heavily swamped piers along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Dangerous Conditions Expected
According to the National Weather Service Northern Indiana office, strong currents can pull swimmers into deeper water while high waves present the risk of sweeping people off piers. The hazardous conditions are expected to persist throughout the day and into the late evening hours.
The warning specifically covers the Lake Michigan shoreline areas in Northern and Southern Berrien counties in southwest Michigan. Piers will be particularly dangerous as waves are expected to heavily swamp these structures.
Safety Precautions
Beach visitors are advised to exercise extreme caution when near the water. The combination of high waves and strong currents creates particularly hazardous conditions for swimming and pier activities.
The National Weather Service recommends staying away from piers and avoiding swimming during the hazardous period. Those planning beach activities should monitor weather conditions closely and consider postponing water-related activities until conditions improve.
The beach hazards statement affects popular Lake Michigan recreation areas in Berrien County, which includes communities such as St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, and New Buffalo. These areas typically see increased beach activity during warmer weather periods.
Weather Service Monitoring
The National Weather Service will continue monitoring conditions throughout the warning period. The hazards statement is scheduled to expire at 2:00 a.m. EDT on May 21, but conditions will be reassessed as the weather system progresses.
Beachgoers are encouraged to check current weather conditions and warnings before heading to Lake Michigan beaches in the affected counties. Local emergency management officials typically coordinate with the National Weather Service to ensure public safety during hazardous beach conditions.
