HOLLAND, MI - Beach fans, beware. Sunday’s storms and increasing winds are expected to create dangerous swimming conditions at beaches from Holland north to Manistee.
Rain showers and thunderstorms are possible during the day Sunday, Aug. 18, especially south of Int. 96, the National Weather Service said.
Some areas could see strong storms, with damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph. Hail up to an inch in diameter is also possible with the strongest of these storms.
The NWS office in Grand Rapids issued a Beach Hazard Statement this afternoon, looking ahead to Sunday. It’s in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for Mason, Muskegon, Oceana and Ottawa counties.
Because of the wind and wave action expected on Sunday, south sides of piers and breakwaters will be especially dangerous. Waves can wash over piers, sweeping people into the water. Churning currents can also pull swimmers out into deeper water.
Because of their piers, Grand Haven State Park and Pere Marquette Park in Muskegon could be particularly dangerous place to swim, the NWS said.
South/southwest winds of 17 to 28 mph are expected to build waves up to 3 to 5 feet from late morning to early evening from Grand Haven northward.