GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The beach is typically a great place for relief from the heat and humidity. But if you’re heading there Wednesday for that relief, be mindful that wind and waves will increase to dangerous levels.
The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazard statement and small craft advisory. The beach hazard statement begins at 2 p.m. from St. Joseph to Whitehall though late Wednesday, and the small craft advisory is from 2 p.m. until 2 a.m.
This type of day can be sneakily dangerous, as conditions will be quite tame initially if you arrive at the beach during the morning hours. Waves will gradually build through the afternoon and will be challenging to swim in by later in the day.
Wind and wave direction is key to the most hazardous of conditions. A northerly component to the wind will make the north side of breakwaters and piers the most dangerous.
Beaches where you should avoid swimming later Wednesday will be Holland, Muskegon and Van Buren State Park (north side) along with Mears and Ludington…