Special Marine Warning: Dangerous Thunderstorm Over Lake Erie 8/31

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Boaters Urged to Seek Safe Harbor as Strong Winds Hit Nearshore Waters

CLEVELAND — Issued by the National Weather Service at 5:09 AM on August 31, 2024.

Hazardous Conditions for Boaters on Lake Erie

The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a Special Marine Warning for the nearshore and open waters from Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio to Ripley, New York, in effect until 6:15 AM EDT. At 5:09 AM, radar detected a strong thunderstorm over Ashtabula, moving northeast at 25 knots.

Hazard: Wind Gusts of 34 Knots or Greater

The primary threat from this storm includes wind gusts of 34 knots or greater, which can cause dangerous conditions for small craft. These high winds may lead to suddenly higher waves, posing significant risks for boats, particularly smaller vessels that are more vulnerable to such conditions.

Safety Advisory for Mariners

Mariners are strongly advised to move to safe harbor immediately as the storm progresses over mainly open waters. Gusty winds and high waves are expected to persist, and conditions may worsen rapidly.

Affected Areas Include:

• Geneva-on-the-Lake to Conneaut, OH
• Conneaut, OH to Ripley, NY
• Waters beyond 5 nautical miles off the shoreline from Geneva-on-the-Lake to the US-Canadian border
• Waters beyond 5 nautical miles off the shoreline from Conneaut, OH to Ripley, NY

For the latest updates, mariners should stay tuned to weather broadcasts and official alerts.

Hazardous Weather Changes Fast - Stay Updated

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