The National Weather Service issued a Beach Hazards Statement Saturday, warning of dangerous swimming conditions at all northeast Illinois beaches through the evening.
Life threatening waves and strong rip currents are expected at Chicago-area beaches in Cook and Lake counties, according to the warning. Anyone visiting the beaches is advised to stay out of the water.
Models shows powerful waves reaching between 3 and 5 feet high, creating for potentially life-threatening conditions, NWS reports. Strong rip currents and structural currents are also expected, according to the NWS.
Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing away from shore, occurring most often at low spots or breaks in sandbars. Structural currents form along piers, and both can quickly sweep swimmers into deeper water.
"Exposed beaches are more likely to experience the most significant wave and current impacts," the NWS said.
Fargo Beach on the far North Side was closed to swimmers because of the hazardous surf, while 10 beaches in Chicago were under a swim advisory, according to the Chicago Park District. The beaches under the advisory include: Montrose, Foster, North Shore, Hartigan, 63rd Street, Calumet, Helen Doria, Lane, Osterman, and Tobey Prinz Beaches.
The Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect through Saturday evening.
