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Dangerous Lake Conditions, Thunderstorms Expected Thursday

Strong winds, dangerous waves and rip currents are expected on Lake Michigan. West Michigan can also expect showers and thunderstorms.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. —

Overview

Thursday will be a dangerous day on Lake Michigan as a cold front sweeps through the region. South-southwest winds up to 30 knots will build large waves leading to strong rip currents on the beaches.

Forecast

Winds will increase Wednesday night and peak during the morning on Thursday, building waves from 1 - 2' Wednesday evening to 9 - 10' early Thursday. These will generally be from Holland northward along the lakeshore, increasing to 5' generally south.

Waves will build to as high as 8' Thursday morning from Holland south before diminishing to 5' by early Thursday evening. Similarly, from Holland north, the 9 - 10' waves will diminish to 5' as well.


<<Click here for the latest weather maps, including local beach forecasts>>

Beach Hazard Alert

A Beach Hazard Alert is in effect through Thursday due to the large waves. The state park beaches will likely be flying double red flags, meaning no swimming will be allowed and enforced by DNR or state park officials.

Credit: 13 On Your Side Weather
Beach Hazard Alerts

What the Beach Flags Mean

A Red Flag = Stop. Stay on the beach and out of the water.

A Double Red Flag = you cannot enter the water because it is too dangerous and you could be subject to a citation.

A Yellow Flag = Caution. Watch for dangerous current and high waves.

A Green Flag = Go. Swim safely, but be aware of changing conditions.

As always, watch the experienced team of 13 On Your Side meteorologists for the latest weather updates.

Share your 30-second horizontal videos with us from Lake Michigan by scanning the QR code below.

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Chief Meteorologist George Lessens

George is a graduate of Penn State University working for 13 On Your Side for over 42 years. He is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM), a thirteen-time MAB® Weathercast Award Winner, two-time EMMY® Award Winner, NATAS® Silver Circle Award Winner, and Weather-Ready Nation® Ambassador. 

Contact me at: GeorgeLessens@13OnYourSide.com

Follow me on Twitter @glessens and Facebook GeorgeLessensWZZM

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