July 6-7, 2019: Rare Summertime Flooding Along Lake Michigan Beaches

Overview

Unusually high Lake Michigan water levels, near record in fact, set the stage for minor flooding impacts with a prolonged, breezy northerly winds on Independence Day weekend 2019. North-northeast winds were regularly gusting 15-25 kt, and while not as strong as usual for flooding events, the wave action on top of high levels resulted in the minor flooding. This was minor but because it was summer and beaches were active, this episode had impacts more so than typical season for lakeshore flood advisory events (autumn, winter, and spring). This included flooding along Chicago area beaches and parts of the city's bike path. A Lakeshore Flood Advisory was issued beforehand, along with a Beach Hazards Statement for rip currents, by NWS Chicago.

Flooding along the Chicago shore on July 6, 2019.

Photos
Winds & Waves

Photos


Chicago shore minor flooding.	Volleyball net posts flooded in Chicago.	Chicago bike path closed.	Chicago bike patch closed.

Winds & Waves


Southern Lake MI open water buoy winds	Wilmette, IL buoy winds	Michigan City, IN buoy winds


Southern Lake MI open water buoy winds	Wilmette, IL buoy winds	Michigan City, IN buoy winds

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