Lake Erie Warning Issued Over ‘Hazardous Conditions’

A low water advisory has been issued for the western basin of Lake Erie, where falling water levels are expected to create hazardous conditions for mariners.

The National Weather Service (NWS) advisory, which is in effect from 8 a.m. Monday to 2 a.m. Tuesday, applies to nearshore waters near Michigan and Ohio, as strong winds push water eastward across the lake.

Why It Matters

Water levels in Lake Erie’s western basin are forecast to drop below the critical navigation threshold Monday morning.

The drop poses risks for mariners operating in typically safe zones, potentially increasing the chance of vessel groundings or damage.

What To Know

According to the NWS, the water level at Toledo, Ohio, was 20 inches above the low water datum, or base elevation, at 4 a.m. Monday but was in danger of falling below the critical mark, which is one inch above the low water datum.

“Water levels are expected to sharply fall below the critical mark this morning, and then slosh around near the critical mark through Monday evening before rising,” the agency said.

It added, “Water levels may reach as low as one foot below low water datum around midday Monday.”

Areas affected by the advisories was included but not limited to the Michigan waters of Lake Erie from the Detroit River to North Cape, Michigan, and the nearshore waters of Lake Erie from Maumee Bay to Vermilion, Ohio.

The NWS cautioned that “below normal water levels will result in hazardous navigating conditions.” Inexperienced mariners, particularly those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions, it added.

In Ohio, a small craft advisory was also in effect until 4 a.m. Tuesday, with “gusts up to 35 knots becoming westerly” and waves up to three to six feet making conditions hazardous for small boats.

In Michigan, a gale warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. Monday, with the NWS forecasting “sustained winds up to 23 knots from the west,” and gusts up to 35 knots.

What People Are Saying

AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham told Newsweek: “Unlike ocean tides, water levels on the Great Lakes are primarily driven by the wind. The west-southwest winds today will blow over the entire fetch of Lake Erie, helping to shove the water towards the eastern end of the lake. Because the western end of the lake is very shallow, the wind and low water can make for hazardous maritime travel.

The NWS Detroit account on X, formerly Twitter, said Monday: “A Gale Warning is in effect for central and south Lake Huron along with all nearshore zones. A Low Water Advisory is in effect for Saginaw Bay and western Lake Erie as well.”

What Happens Next

Conditions are expected to remain hazardous throughout Monday.

Considering the potential for dangerous navigation conditions, particularly in shallow areas, mariners are urged to monitor official forecasts and exercise caution until the advisory expires.