Though Chicago-area temperatures have improved, waves on Lake Michigan have become incredibly high, easily topping the height of a person. NBC 5’s Lexi Sutter reports on a warning you need to hear.
Life-threatening waves and currents forced the Chicago Park District to shut down parts of the city's Lakefront Trail Monday.
The areas closed included: the walking path south of Fullerton to 2200 N. Lake Shore Dr., piers at Montrose and North avenues, both trails from Oak Street to Ohio Street, the park district tweeted just before 11:40 a.m. CST.
The park district also warned of debris on both trails from North Avenue to Ohio Street and from 45th to 49th streets.
"People can get swept away very quickly," said Chicago Fire Department Deputy Chief Jason Lach. "People don't understand how strong water can be. Even if they're an extremely good swimmer, conditions like right now are very hazardous."
Waves as high as 4 to 7 feet are expected at Lake Michigan beaches on the shoreline of Cook County, the National Weather Service said earlier in issuing a “beach hazards warning.” Strong rip currents and structural currents are also expected.
Structural currents form along piers and can sweep swimmers into deeper water along the structure, the weather service said.
The warning lasts through the night, the weather service said. Anyone visiting beaches is advised to stay out of the water.
Last week, a man died after being found in Lake Michigan near Diversey Harbor.
