Rip Currents Pose Major Threat at Ohio Beaches This Labor Day Weekend

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Dangerous Waters: Strong Rip Currents and Hazardous Beach Conditions Expected

CLEVELAND — Issued by the National Weather Service at 3:46 AM EDT on September 1, 2024.

Ohio Beaches Face High Rip Current Risk Through Monday Morning

Beaches along Erie, Lorain, and Cuyahoga counties are under a Beach Hazards Statement from the National Weather Service (NWS) due to a high risk of rip currents expected to persist through Monday morning. The warning, issued early Sunday morning, highlights the potential for dangerous swimming conditions along the shores of Lake Erie.

What to Expect: Wind, Waves, and Rip Currents

The NWS advises that wind and wave actions will create strong currents along the lakeshore, making swimming perilous. Rip currents, which can pull swimmers away from shore, pose the most significant threat. The advisory recommends that swimmers stay out of the water to avoid these hazardous conditions.

Affected Areas and Timings

The Beach Hazards Statement is specifically in effect from this evening through Monday morning across Erie, Lorain, and Cuyahoga counties. The NWS emphasizes that these conditions can rapidly worsen, making lake activities especially dangerous during this period.

Safety Precautions and What Residents Should Do

Residents and visitors to Lake Erie are urged to stay out of the water during this time. The NWS warns that even experienced swimmers can find themselves in dangerous situations due to the strength of the currents. People are advised to avoid walking near the water’s edge and to remain vigilant for updates from local authorities.

Hazardous Weather Changes Fast - Stay Updated

Weather Watches, Warnings & Advisories are frequently updated by NWS. Please look for updates to this report from the National Weather Service, or your local news channels and NOAA All Hazards. Please follow Thumbwind Publications for more local weather and news updates.