Weather Service Warns Of 'Life-Threatening Waves' At The Beaches Today

By Gwendolyn Purdom in News on Jul 29, 2016 3:53PM

Before what looks like will be a lovely summer weekend Saturday and Sunday, it appears Lollagoers (and everybody else in Chicago) may need to have their ponchos ready Friday afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service is predicting limited thunderstorms in North Central and Northeast Illinois, and Northwest Indiana Friday, and if you're planning on making it a beach day, you might want to rethink that too. The service released a beach hazard statement Friday saying the risk of strong rip currents and "life threatening waves" is high at beaches in Northeast Illinois and Northwest Indiana through late tonight.

It doesn't sound like the scattered thunderstorms Friday will live up to the meteorological craziness of last weekend, though the Weather Service does mention some "heavy downpours and gusty winds." On the beaches, waves are forecasted to be between three and five feet and capable of sweeping you into deeper water (yikes). Exposed beaches without protective break walls or jetties are the most at risk.

As of Friday morning, Chicago's beaches only had a swim ban in place due to hazardous surf at Fargo Beach on the North Side. Poor water quality is cited for the four other swim advisories in place at Montrose Beach, Calumet Beach, 12th Street Beach and Margaret T. Burroughs Beach.

Don't worry, you'll still get to don your Lolla flower crowns (or pigeon crowns): The forecast for the rest of the weekend is in the high 70s to low 80s.