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Beach Hazards and Severe Storm Threats Spread Across Michigan’s Coastlines This Weekend
Beach Hazards in Effect Along Berrien and La Porte County Shores
The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana has issued an active Beach Hazards Statement early Friday for parts of the southern Lake Michigan shoreline, warning residents and visitors in Northern La Porte County (Indiana) and Northern and Southern Berrien County (Michigan) to stay out of the water due to high wave action and strong currents.
The advisory, effective through 5 a.m. EDT (4 a.m. CDT) on Friday, July 18, states that wave conditions remain dangerous, particularly for swimmers and those walking on piers. The NWS warns that powerful currents can easily pull even experienced swimmers into deeper water, and high waves may knock individuals off piers entirely.
Precautionary advice remains unchanged: stay out of the water and off all piers during these conditions. The advisory is likely to expire later this morning, but additional weather-related risks are expected across Michigan in the coming days.
Severe Thunderstorm Risk to Escalate Across Southeast Michigan Saturday
In a separate Hazardous Weather Outlook, the NWS Detroit/Pontiac office forecasted a likely outbreak of severe thunderstorms Saturday afternoon through evening across Midland, Bay, Huron, Tuscola, Sanilac, Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair, and Wayne Counties, among others.
The main threat includes damaging wind gusts over 60 mph, with large hail and isolated tornadoes also possible. The NWS notes that localized flash flooding may accompany stronger cells.
Although no hazardous weather is expected Friday, the potential for dangerous Saturday weather has prompted early awareness efforts from weather officials and emergency managers across the region.
Looking ahead, the NWS said that there’s a low chance for additional strong storms from Tuesday through Thursday next week.
Hazardous Marine Conditions Expected on Lake Huron Into the Weekend
Mariners navigating Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake St. Clair should be alert for changing conditions as the weekend progresses. As of Friday morning, a Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect for Huron County due to elevated wave activity along Michigan’s Thumb.
The NWS marine forecast warns of Saturday’s severe thunderstorms producing wind gusts up to 50 knots over open water, posing a serious risk to small watercraft, charter boats, and shoreline operations.
Impacted zones include Outer and Inner Saginaw Bay, Port Austin to Harbor Beach, and the offshore waters from Presque Isle Light to Port Huron. Mariners are advised to monitor forecasts continuously and avoid open waters during active thunderstorm warnings.
Travel and Recreation Advisory
Outdoor plans, boating, and beach activities across coastal Michigan—from the Indiana line through the Thumb and Bay region—should be reconsidered or adjusted due to dangerous swimming conditions, marine hazards, and the growing threat of weekend storms.
While beach conditions may normalize later Friday, residents and visitors should remain alert through Sunday. Any unexpected developments will be updated via the National Weather Service and local emergency management channels.
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