Avoid Swimming In Lake Erie, Rip Currents Likely

CLEVELAND — Dangerous rip currents could form in Lake Erie on Wednesday and Thursday, the National Weather Service warned.

A beach hazards statement was issued Wednesday warning swimmers to avoid the choppy waves of Lake Erie. The water is likely to remain dangerous through at least Thursday afternoon, the National Weather Service said.

"Wind and wave action will cause currents on the lakeshore. Swimmers should not enter the water. Currents can carry swimmers away from shore through a sand bar and along structures extending out into the lake," the agency said in a statement.

Swimmers should avoid the lake until conditions calm.

The beach hazards statement is in effect in the following counties: Cuyahoga, Lake, Ashtabula, Erie and Lorain.