'Life-Threatening Waves' Could Pound Lake Michigan Beaches: NWS

CHICAGO, IL — The National Weather Service has issued a Beach Hazards Statement on Monday warning of potential life-threatening waves and strong rip currents along the Lake Michigan shore. Waves could reach as high as seven feet and beach-goers are cautioned to stay out of the water. The warning runs through 10 p.m. Monday, July 24.

The affected beaches include those in Cook and Lake counties in Illinois and Porter and Lake counties in Indiana. Rip currents are strong channels of water flowing quickly away from the shore, which happen most often at low spots or breaks in sandbars. These currents can pull swimmers into deeper water. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news for Chicago — or your neighborhood. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

Swim advisories have been issued for most of Chicago's beaches by the Chicago Park District. Fargo, Lane, Margaret T. Burroughs, Oak Street and Osterman beaches face swimming bans because of hazardous surf.

Beach-goers can go to the National Weather Service's website for advisories and updates. Beach swim bans and advisories can be found at the Chicago Park District's website.

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