People in 9 States Told to Avoid Taking Boats Out Onto Water

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued gale warnings for waters off nine states, cautioning against boating due to hazardous conditions as strong winds, high waves and reduced visibility are expected, making maritime travel dangerous.

The warnings, affecting New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Maine, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Ohio and Wisconsin, will remain in effect through January 28, with some regions facing extended risks.

Why It Matters

Gale warnings indicate severe maritime weather that could endanger vessels, including recreational boats and commercial fishing operations. Wind speeds of up to 50 knots and waves reaching 18 feet in some locations pose a significant threat. Authorities urge mariners to heed advisories and remain in port until conditions improve.

What Is a Gale Warning?

According to the NWS, a gale warning is triggered by “sustained surface winds, or frequent gusts, in the range of 34 knots (39 mph) to 47 knots (54 mph) inclusive, either predicted or occurring, and not directly associated with a tropical cyclone.”

New York & New Jersey

NWS Upton has issued a gale warning for multiple areas, including Long Island Sound and waters from Sandy Hook, N.J., to Montauk, N.Y. Winds are expected to reach 40 knots, with waves from 6 to 11 feet, making boating highly unsafe through January 28.

Michigan

The NWS Grand Rapids has issued warnings along the Lake Michigan coast, from St. Joseph to Pentwater. Waves could reach 12 feet, with wind gusts up to 40 knots, affecting both small and large vessels.

Maine

Coastal and intra-coastal waters off Maine face hazardous conditions with gusts up to 45 knots and waves up to 18 feet. The warning is in effect until January 29.

Illinois & Indiana

Nearshore areas from Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, to Michigan City, Indiana, will experience winds up to 40 knots and waves up to 8 feet. NWS Chicago has advised all vessels to avoid travel through January 28.

Massachusetts

NWS Boston/Norton issued warnings for Cape Cod Bay, Nantucket Sound and Massachusetts Bay, with gusts up to 40 knots and seas reaching 6 feet. The warning remains active until January 28.

Ohio

NWS Cleveland warns of gusts up to 50 knots across Lake Erie from Vermilion, Ohio, to Buffalo, N.Y. A winter weather advisory is also in place, with snowfall and freezing conditions expected to compound dangers.

Wisconsin

NWS Milwaukee has extended a gale warning along the Wisconsin coast, with winds reaching 40 knots. A gale watch will follow, extending risks into January 29.

What’s Next

Authorities continue monitoring conditions, and mariners should check updates from the NWS before heading out. The storm system responsible for these warnings is expected to weaken midweek, allowing for safer conditions by late January 29.