Expected Rip Current Risk and Thunderstorms Threaten Duluth-Area Beaches and North Shore 8/16

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High Rip Current Risk and Thunderstorm Potential Pose Hazards for Swimmers and Residents

Duluth, MN – August 15, 2024 – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Duluth has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for portions of northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. The alert highlights a high risk of rip currents along beaches in Duluth and Superior, including Park Point Beach, and warns of thunderstorms and dense fog tonight.

High Rip Current Risk for Duluth and Superior Beaches

Beachgoers along the shores of Lake Superior are urged to stay out of the water today, particularly at Park Point Beach, as there is a high risk of rip currents. These powerful currents can pose life-threatening hazards for swimmers, with the NWS advising people to avoid swimming altogether to ensure their safety.

The NWS emphasizes the dangers of rip currents, which can quickly pull even strong swimmers away from shore. Hazardous swimming conditions are expected to persist through the day, making water activities particularly dangerous.

Thunderstorms Possible This Afternoon and Evening

In addition to rip current risks, there is a chance of thunderstorms in the area this afternoon and evening. While the storms are not expected to reach severe levels, they could bring lightning, heavy rain, and gusty winds, creating hazardous conditions, especially for those outdoors.

Regions including Koochiching, North St. Louis, and Bayfield counties could experience storm activity, with the greatest risk occurring late in the day. Residents are advised to monitor the weather and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.

Dense Fog Expected Overnight

As night falls, dense fog is expected to develop across parts of the region, potentially reducing visibility to as low as half a mile in some areas. Drivers should exercise caution, using low beam headlights and reducing speed when navigating through foggy conditions.

The fog could persist into early morning hours on Friday, making travel challenging in some parts of the area. The NWS recommends planning ahead and allowing extra time for any nighttime travel.

More Thunderstorms Possible Friday

Looking ahead to Friday, there remains a chance of thunderstorms, though the severity of these storms is not yet clear. Residents in northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin should stay informed about the forecast as the weekend approaches.

Spotter Information and Reporting

While SKYWARN spotter activation is not expected at this time, the NWS encourages residents and spotters to report rainfall amounts and any other significant weather observations to assist in tracking storm impacts across the region.

For updates and safety information, visit the National Weather Service Duluth website at weather.gov/dlh.