Severe Weather: Warning Issued to Lake Michigan Mariners

Severe weather warnings have been issued across the midwest as the worst Chicago storms in decades developed on Tuesday.
Severe Weather: Warning Issued to Lake Michigan Mariners
10/26/2010
Updated:
10/26/2010
Severe weather warnings have been issued across the midwest as the worst Chicago storms in decades developed on Tuesday, according to the the National Weather Service.

Winds approaching hurricane strength have built across the region. Gale force winds pummeled Chicago and the region around Lake Michigan.

The National Weather Service said recreational boaters should not go out, and commercial boats should consider staying in port, because of “very strong winds and dangerous sea conditions.”

An intense low pressure system over Minnesota caused the winds, which were expected to last into Wednesday. The weather service said the storm could threaten lives, especially on the lake. Waves could reach 20 or 30 feet.

The powerful winds could create a water surge on the Great Lakes, called a seiche, which might flood shorelines, according to Accuweather.com.