Alert archive / Ohio / Beach Hazards Statements in 2026

Beach Hazards Statement 1, NWS Cleveland, OH

May 20, 20267 counties in Ohio; Erie County, Pennsylvania

NWS Cleveland, OH issued this beach hazards statement at May 20, 2026, 3:54 PM EDT for 7 counties in Ohio; Erie County, Pennsylvania. It took effect at May 21, 2026, 8:00 AM EDT. It was in force for 50 hr.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
May 20, 2026, 3:54 PM EDT (19:54 UTC)
In effect from
May 21, 2026, 8:00 AM EDT
Expired
May 23, 2026, 10:00 AM EDT
In force
50 hr
Issued by
NWS Cleveland, OH

Counties Ashtabula County, OH, Cuyahoga County, OH, Erie County, OH, Lake County, OH, Lorain County, OH, Lucas County, OH, Ottawa County, OH, Erie County, PA

The radar

The Cleveland radar (KCLE), 27 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 19:53 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Detroit, MI (KDTX), launched 12:00Z, 7.9 hours before the alert went out and 174 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Detroit, MI at 12:00Z on 2026-05-20Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 2 joules per kilogram.LCLEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Detroit, MI at 12:00Z on 2026-05-20The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -66 square meters per square second.19395878Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
2 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
464 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
47 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-66 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
27 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

450 
WHUS41 KCLE 201954
CFWCLE

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
354 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

OHZ011-012-089-PAZ001-210400-
/O.NEW.KCLE.BH.S.0001.260521T1200Z-260522T0800Z/
Cuyahoga-Lake-Ashtabula Lakeshore-Northern Erie-
354 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING
THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT...

* WHAT...High risk of rip currents expected.

* WHERE...In Ohio, Cuyahoga, Lake and Ashtabula Lakeshore 
  Counties. In Pennsylvania, Northern Erie County.

* WHEN...From Thursday morning through late Thursday night.

* IMPACTS...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.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$

OHZ003-007-009-010-210400-
/O.NEW.KCLE.BH.S.0001.260521T1200Z-260523T0200Z/
Lucas-Ottawa-Erie-Lorain-
354 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING
THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...High risk of rip currents expected.

* WHERE...Lucas, Ottawa, Erie and Lorain Counties.

* WHEN...From Thursday morning through Friday evening.

* IMPACTS...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.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
11 follow-up statements
493 
WHUS41 KCLE 210147
CFWCLE

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
947 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

OHZ011-012-089-PAZ001-211000-
/O.CON.KCLE.BH.S.0001.260521T1200Z-260522T0800Z/
Cuyahoga-Lake-Ashtabula Lakeshore-Northern Erie-
947 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM EDT
THURSDAY THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT...

* WHAT...High risk of rip currents expected.

* WHERE...In Ohio, Cuyahoga, Lake and Ashtabula Lakeshore 
  Counties. In Pennsylvania, Northern Erie County.

* WHEN...From 8 AM EDT Thursday through late Thursday night.

* IMPACTS...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.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$

OHZ003-007-009-010-211000-
/O.CON.KCLE.BH.S.0001.260521T1200Z-260523T0200Z/
Lucas-Ottawa-Erie-Lorain-
947 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM EDT
THURSDAY THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...High risk of rip currents expected.

* WHERE...Lucas, Ottawa, Erie and Lorain Counties.

* WHEN...From 8 AM EDT Thursday through Friday evening.

* IMPACTS...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.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
026 
WHUS41 KCLE 210900
CFWCLE

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
500 AM EDT Thu May 21 2026

OHZ011-012-089-PAZ001-211700-
/O.EXT.KCLE.BH.S.0001.260521T1200Z-260523T0200Z/
Cuyahoga-Lake-Ashtabula Lakeshore-Northern Erie-
500 AM EDT Thu May 21 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT NOW IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM EDT THIS
MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...High risk of rip currents expected.

* WHERE...In Ohio, Cuyahoga, Lake and Ashtabula Lakeshore 
  Counties. In Pennsylvania, Northern Erie County.

* WHEN...From 8 AM EDT this morning through Friday evening.

* IMPACTS...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.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$

OHZ003-007-009-010-211700-
/O.EXT.KCLE.BH.S.0001.260521T1200Z-260523T1400Z/
Lucas-Ottawa-Erie-Lorain-
500 AM EDT Thu May 21 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT NOW IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM EDT THIS
MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...High risk of rip currents expected.

* WHERE...Lucas, Ottawa, Erie and Lorain Counties.

* WHEN...From 8 AM EDT this morning through Saturday morning.

* IMPACTS...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.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
654 
WHUS41 KCLE 211322
CFWCLE

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
922 AM EDT Thu May 21 2026

OHZ011-012-089-PAZ001-212130-
/O.CON.KCLE.BH.S.0001.000000T0000Z-260523T0200Z/
Cuyahoga-Lake-Ashtabula Lakeshore-Northern Erie-
922 AM EDT Thu May 21 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH FRIDAY
EVENING...

* WHAT...High risk of rip currents.

* WHERE...In Ohio, Cuyahoga, Lake and Ashtabula Lakeshore 
  Counties. In Pennsylvania, Northern Erie County.

* WHEN...Through Friday evening.

* IMPACTS...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.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$

OHZ003-007-009-010-212130-
/O.CON.KCLE.BH.S.0001.000000T0000Z-260523T1400Z/
Lucas-Ottawa-Erie-Lorain-
922 AM EDT Thu May 21 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SATURDAY
MORNING...

* WHAT...High risk of rip currents.

* WHERE...Lucas, Ottawa, Erie and Lorain Counties.

* WHEN...Through Saturday morning.

* IMPACTS...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.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
244 
WHUS41 KCLE 211939
CFWCLE

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
339 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026

OHZ011-012-089-PAZ001-220345-
/O.CON.KCLE.BH.S.0001.000000T0000Z-260523T0200Z/
Cuyahoga-Lake-Ashtabula Lakeshore-Northern Erie-
339 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH FRIDAY
EVENING...

* WHAT...High risk of rip currents.

* WHERE...In Ohio, Cuyahoga, Lake and Ashtabula Lakeshore 
  Counties. In Pennsylvania, Northern Erie County.

* WHEN...Through Friday evening.

* IMPACTS...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.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$

OHZ003-007-009-010-220345-
/O.CON.KCLE.BH.S.0001.000000T0000Z-260523T1400Z/
Lucas-Ottawa-Erie-Lorain-
339 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SATURDAY
MORNING...

* WHAT...High risk of rip currents.

* WHERE...Lucas, Ottawa, Erie and Lorain Counties.

* WHEN...Through Saturday morning.

* IMPACTS...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.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
702 
WHUS41 KCLE 220135
CFWCLE

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
935 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026

OHZ011-012-089-PAZ001-220945-
/O.CON.KCLE.BH.S.0001.000000T0000Z-260523T0200Z/
Cuyahoga-Lake-Ashtabula Lakeshore-Northern Erie-
935 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH FRIDAY
EVENING...

* WHAT...High risk of rip currents.

* WHERE...In Ohio, Cuyahoga, Lake and Ashtabula Lakeshore 
  Counties. In Pennsylvania, Northern Erie County.

* WHEN...Through Friday evening.

* IMPACTS...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.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$

OHZ003-007-009-010-220945-
/O.CON.KCLE.BH.S.0001.000000T0000Z-260523T1400Z/
Lucas-Ottawa-Erie-Lorain-
935 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SATURDAY
MORNING...

* WHAT...High risk of rip currents.

* WHERE...Lucas, Ottawa, Erie and Lorain Counties.

* WHEN...Through Saturday morning.

* IMPACTS...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.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
680 
WHUS41 KCLE 220745
CFWCLE

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
345 AM EDT Fri May 22 2026

OHZ011-012-089-PAZ001-221545-
/O.CON.KCLE.BH.S.0001.000000T0000Z-260523T0200Z/
Cuyahoga-Lake-Ashtabula Lakeshore-Northern Erie-
345 AM EDT Fri May 22 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...High risk of rip currents.

* WHERE...In Ohio, Cuyahoga, Lake and Ashtabula Lakeshore 
  Counties. In Pennsylvania, Northern Erie County.

* WHEN...Through this evening.

* IMPACTS...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.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$

OHZ003-007-009-010-221545-
/O.CON.KCLE.BH.S.0001.000000T0000Z-260523T1400Z/
Lucas-Ottawa-Erie-Lorain-
345 AM EDT Fri May 22 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SATURDAY
MORNING...

* WHAT...High risk of rip currents.

* WHERE...Lucas, Ottawa, Erie and Lorain Counties.

* WHEN...Through Saturday morning.

* IMPACTS...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.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
507 
WHUS41 KCLE 221320
CFWCLE

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
920 AM EDT Fri May 22 2026

OHZ011-012-089-PAZ001-222130-
/O.CON.KCLE.BH.S.0001.000000T0000Z-260523T0200Z/
Cuyahoga-Lake-Ashtabula Lakeshore-Northern Erie-
920 AM EDT Fri May 22 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...High risk of rip currents.

* WHERE...In Ohio, Cuyahoga, Lake and Ashtabula Lakeshore 
  Counties. In Pennsylvania, Northern Erie County.

* WHEN...Through this evening.

* IMPACTS...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.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$

OHZ003-007-009-010-222130-
/O.CON.KCLE.BH.S.0001.000000T0000Z-260523T1400Z/
Lucas-Ottawa-Erie-Lorain-
920 AM EDT Fri May 22 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SATURDAY
MORNING...

* WHAT...High risk of rip currents.

* WHERE...Lucas, Ottawa, Erie and Lorain Counties.

* WHEN...Through Saturday morning.

* IMPACTS...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.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
335 
WHUS41 KCLE 221936
CFWCLE

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
336 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

OHZ011-012-089-PAZ001-230200-
/O.CON.KCLE.BH.S.0001.000000T0000Z-260523T0200Z/
Cuyahoga-Lake-Ashtabula Lakeshore-Northern Erie-
336 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...High risk of rip currents.

* WHERE...In Ohio, Cuyahoga, Lake and Ashtabula Lakeshore 
  Counties. In Pennsylvania, Northern Erie County.

* WHEN...Through this evening.

* IMPACTS...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.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$

OHZ003-007-009-010-230345-
/O.CON.KCLE.BH.S.0001.000000T0000Z-260523T1400Z/
Lucas-Ottawa-Erie-Lorain-
336 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SATURDAY
MORNING...

* WHAT...High risk of rip currents.

* WHERE...Lucas, Ottawa, Erie and Lorain Counties.

* WHEN...Through Saturday morning.

* IMPACTS...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.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
541 
WHUS41 KCLE 230156
CFWCLE

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
956 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

OHZ011-012-089-PAZ001-230300-
/O.EXP.KCLE.BH.S.0001.000000T0000Z-260523T0200Z/
Cuyahoga-Lake-Ashtabula Lakeshore-Northern Erie-
956 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT WILL EXPIRE AT 10 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...

Rip current risk will decrease overnight as winds and waves
subside.

$$

OHZ003-007-009-010-231000-
/O.CON.KCLE.BH.S.0001.000000T0000Z-260523T1400Z/
Lucas-Ottawa-Erie-Lorain-
956 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SATURDAY
MORNING...

* WHAT...High risk of rip currents.

* WHERE...Lucas, Ottawa, Erie and Lorain Counties.

* WHEN...Through Saturday morning.

* IMPACTS...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.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
721 
WHUS41 KCLE 230747
CFWCLE

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
347 AM EDT Sat May 23 2026

OHZ003-007-009-010-231400-
/O.CON.KCLE.BH.S.0001.000000T0000Z-260523T1400Z/
Lucas-Ottawa-Erie-Lorain-
347 AM EDT Sat May 23 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EDT THIS
MORNING...

* WHAT...High risk of rip currents.

* WHERE...Lucas, Ottawa, Erie and Lorain Counties.

* WHEN...Until 10 AM EDT this morning.

* IMPACTS...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.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
357 
WHUS41 KCLE 231408
CFWCLE

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
1008 AM EDT Sat May 23 2026

OHZ003-007-009-010-231515-
/O.EXP.KCLE.BH.S.0001.000000T0000Z-260523T1400Z/
Lucas-Ottawa-Erie-Lorain-
1008 AM EDT Sat May 23 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT HAS EXPIRED...

Winds and waves will continue to subside. There remains a Moderate
Swim Risk through the rest of the day today for Ottawa and Erie
(OH) Counties. 

$$

The office that day

Everything else NWS Cleveland, OH issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
May 19, 8:05 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCLECuyahoga, Geauga, Holmes, Portage, Stark, Summit and 1 more55 min
May 19, 8:14 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCLEKnox, Morrow61 min
May 19, 8:26 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCLEAshtabula64 min
May 19, 8:49 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCLEHolmes, Mahoning, Portage, Stark, Trumbull71 min
May 20, 3:53 PM EDTSmall Craft AdvisoryCLE4 days

Nearby

Beach Hazards Statements in Ohio, 2026Beach Hazards Statements in Pennsylvania, 2026Every beach hazards statement in 2026

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.