Boaters beware: Weather service issues marine warning, waterspouts spotted over lake

As summer boating season on Lake Michigan winds down, the National Weather Service warned boaters of dangerous conditions extending into the early afternoon.

The weather service put out a special marine warning Wednesday morning of high waves and possible waterspouts. The warning was in effect until 12:15, though thunderstorms over the southern half of the Lake are forecast to continue throughout the day.

Boaters in Chicago’s northern suburbs, from Winthrop Harbor to Winnetka, were particularly urged to stay off the water, facing winds up to 34 knots that could capsize boats, according to the weather service.

At 34 knots on land, small branches break off trees and walking against the wind can be difficult.

Also Wednesday morning, Northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin residents spotted waterspouts on the lake following severe thunderstorms over Lake Michigan starting near Racine. Thunderstorms will continue to move across the southern half of the lake into the afternoon, according to National Weather Service radar.

Waterspouts often overturn boats and create high seas, the weather service said. They can also pick up small floating structures, animals or even boats and boaters as they travel across lakes.

When waterspouts move to land, they are classified as tornadoes — though they rarely move inland enough to become a risk.

Those out on a boat in the affected north suburban area are advised to seek shelter, coming back to shore if they can.