More than half a million people in Western Michigan were urged to exercise caution on Wednesday when visiting piers or the beach amid “dangerous” Lake Michigan conditions.
Newsweek reached out to the NWS office in Grand Rapids by phone for comment.
Why It Matters
Lake Michigan remains a popular recreation destination for millions in the Midwest, especially during the summer months. Dozens of people drown in Lake Michigan each year, according to the Association of Aquatic Professionals.
The warnings this week come as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has recorded 29 surf-related fatalities so far this year. Most drownings from currents occur at ocean beaches, but the Great Lakes can also prove dangerous under the right conditions.
What to Know
Numerous weather alerts were in place on Wednesday addressing beachgoers, swimmers, and boaters amid dangerous lake conditions that could cause injury or fatality. The alerts warned of dangerous conditions along more than 100 miles of Lake Michigan beaches along Michigan’s western coast…