Milwaukee, Wis. – A weather warning has been issued for Lake Michigan as waterspouts are expected to form from this morning through Monday, creating potential dangers for those on the water or along the shoreline.
The National Weather Service has issued a caution, noting that while these waterspouts are weaker than tornadoes, they can still cause significant hazards for small craft.
Conditions Favorable for Waterspout Development
The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan has stated that unstable air interacting with the relatively warm surface of Lake Michigan is setting the stage for waterspout formation.
Waterspouts typically start as dark disks on the water, evolving into spiraling funnels that rise into the sky. These formations can be deceptive, seeming harmless but presenting real dangers.
Risk to Boat and Swimmer Safety
Most waterspouts are short-lived, but they can still produce strong winds, over 40 knots in some cases, which are powerful enough to overturn boats or drag swimmers into dangerous currents.
Forecasters urge boaters to avoid these conditions by turning at a right angle if a waterspout is spotted and never attempting to navigate through one.
Stay Alert Along the Shoreline
Residents and visitors along the Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha shorelines should monitor the skies carefully over the weekend, as the greatest risk for waterspouts extends through Monday morning. The National Weather Service has indicated that additional alerts may be issued should conditions worsen.
