Runners Beware: Winds Could Create Waves Up To 22 Feet Near Lakefront
CHICAGO (STMW) -- Runners beware. The National Weather Service is warning of the possibility of Lake Shore Drive flooding on Wednesday as a high winds create waves that could build up to 22 feet.
Large and "battering" waves will result in flooding of areas near the lake, likely worse than what was seen in a late September storm that wreaked havoc for runners and bikers on the lakeshore bike path.
There's also a 90 percent chance of rain all day Wednesday.
A lakeshore flood warning will be in effect from 3 p.m. Wednesday until 4 p.m. Thursday. That's when waves will build to 12 to 16 feet Wednesday afternoon and later build to 17 to 22 feet, the National Weather Service said. Waves will gradually subside to less than 15 feet by late Thursday afternoon.
A high wind watch will also be in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning near Lake Michigan. Winds will quickly increase Thursday afternoon with strong and potentially damaging winds likely late Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday night.
The winds will reach up to 30 to 40 miles per hour with gusts up to 60 mph likely, the weather service said.
The very strong winds could result in minor wind damage, downed tree limbs and power lines. High rise buildings near the lake will experience even stronger winds just a couple 100 feet above ground, the weather service said.
The high wind watch means there is the potential for a hazardous high wind event, sustained winds of at least 40 mph, or gusts of 58 mph or stronger possible.
The high on Wednesday will reach just 48 degrees. Thursday night will see a high of 51 degrees and a low 39 degrees.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2010. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
