Lake Michigan, 2017

Marine Thunderstorm Wind in Lake Michigan, August 10, 2017

August 10, 2017 · NWS MKX · 1 event in 1 county or zone

Scattered strong thunderstorms affected the near shore waters of Lake Michigan during the late afternoon, producing strong wind gusts.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

  • Tornadoes
  • Tropical storms and surge
  • Floods
  • Wind
  • Hail
  • Winter weather
  • Heat and drought
  • Cold
  • Fire, smoke and dust
  • Marine and coastal
  • Other

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The toll

Deaths
0
Injuries
0
Property damage
None recorded
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
1

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS MKX wrote it up.

Scattered strong thunderstorms affected the near shore waters of Lake Michigan during the late afternoon, producing strong wind gusts.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Milwaukee, WI wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Aug 10, 1:36 PM CST, 2 hours 12 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Aug 10, 1:36 PM CST, 2 hours 12 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
235 PM CDT THU AUG10 2017

.TONIGHT AND FRIDAY - Forecast Confidence...High.

Showers and storms are beginning to fire this afternoon as expected.
Storms will be likely into early evening, with some of the storms
possibly reaching severe levels. Large hail and damaging winds are
the main threats.

After storms exit the southeast this evening, dry weather is
expected overnight. Could see a shower or sprinkle tomorrow as the
cooler air aloft moves through, but most places will remain dry.

Below normal temps are likely on Friday, with mostly cloudy skies
lingering much of the day and the cooler airmass aloft moving
through.

.FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY - Forecast Confidence...Medium to
High.

A mainly dry and comfortable period is expected.  Lingering low to
mid level cyclonic curvature on Saturday will fight against a very
dry atmosphere, so only expecting few-sct cumulus redevelopment.
Hence expecting a mostly sunny day with 925H temps resulting in
daytime temps warming to slightly below seasonal normal. Weak warm
air advection ahead of a slowly moving upper level wave in the
northern Plains may clip far southwest Wisconsin with a few showers
or storms Sunday afternoon.  Otherwise, a bit more cloudiness can be
expected on Sunday due to the proximity of the upstream short wave.
Temperatures on Sunday will be similar to Saturday.

.EXTENDED PERIOD...

SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY - Forecast Confidence...Medium to
High.

Most of this period is looking dry and seasonal for mid-August.
Persistent down-stream low pressure troffing over eastern Canada
into the eastern Great Lakes will result in dry NNW steering flow
across the western Great Lakes.  Upstream, short wave high pressure
ridging will gradually expand in coverage and intensity and spread
into the western Great Lakes early next week.  925H temps look
seasonal with readings in the 15-18 degree range and resultant
daytime temperatures warming into the 70s to around 80.

Protective ridge should keep southern WI dry at least through
Wednesday.  Medium range guidance in reasonable agreement showing
ridge flattening out due to strong short wave moving ENE through the
northern plains into the western Great Lakes around mid-week. GFS
Ensembles show some variation in the timing of the short wave trof
with several perturbations holding onto lingering ridging.  GFS
increase precipitable water rapidly to around 2 inches Wednesday
night into early Thursday. For now wl include chance pops Wednesday
night into Thursday.

&&

.AVIATION(18Z TAFS)...Thunderstorms are likely this afternoon into
early evening. The main focus will be across the southeast half of
the forecast area. A few of the storms could reach severe levels,
with damaging winds and large hail the main threats.

After storms exit the southeast this evening, dry weather is
expected overnight. Could see a shower or sprinkle tomorrow, but
most places will remain dry.

Lower ceilings are likely later tonight into Friday as cooler air
aloft moves into the area.

&&

.MARINE...Waves could approach 4 feet through late afternoon north
of Port Washington under breezy south winds. Otherwise, winds and
waves are expected to stay below Small Craft Advisory levels the
next several days.

&&

.MKX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...

WI...None.
LM...None.

TONIGHT AND FRIDAY/AVIATION/MARINE...DDV
FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY...MBK
Hazardous weather outlook, Aug 10, 1:54 PM CST, 1 hour 54 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
254 PM CDT Thu Aug 10 2017

WIZ046-047-051-052-056>060-062>072-112000-
Marquette-Green Lake-Fond Du Lac-Sheboygan-Sauk-Columbia-Dodge-
Washington-Ozaukee-Iowa-Dane-Jefferson-Waukesha-Milwaukee-
Lafayette-Green-Rock-Walworth-Racine-Kenosha-
254 PM CDT Thu Aug 10 2017

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of east central
Wisconsin, south central Wisconsin, and southeast Wisconsin.

.DAY ONE...Late this Afternoon and Tonight

Numerous thunderstorms will rumble across south central and
southeast Wisconsin late this afternoon and this evening. A few
thunderstorms will likely become severe, producing large hail
and/or damaging thunderstorm wind gusts. One or two tornadoes are
also possible.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for most of south central
and southeast Wisconsin until 9 pm CDT.

There is a moderate swim risk late this afternoon into this
evening for Sheboygan and Ozaukee beaches adjacent to Lake
Michigan. Breaking waves and currents are expected. Stay away from
dangerous areas like piers, breakwalls and river outlets.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Thursday

There is a small chance for thunderstorms Wednesday night and
Thursday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed this afternoon and evening.

LMZ643>646-112000-
Sheboygan to Port Washington WI-
Port Washington to North Point Light WI-
North Point Light to Wind Point WI-
Wind Point WI to Winthrop Harbor IL-
254 PM CDT Thu Aug 10 2017

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Lake Michigan.

.DAY ONE...Late this Afternoon and Tonight

Numerous thunderstorms will affect the near shore waters into this
evening. A few thunderstorms may become severe, producing damaging
wind gusts and large hail. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in
effect until 9 pm CDT.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Thursday

There is a chance of thunderstorms next Wednesday night and
Thursday.

www.weather.gov/mkx

MBK

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Aug 10, 3:19 PM CST, 29 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
419 PM CDT THU AUG 10 2017

WIZ070>072-102145-
Walworth-Racine-Kenosha-
419 PM CDT THU AUG 10 2017

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT SOUTHEASTERN WALWORTH...
SOUTHWESTERN RACINE AND WESTERN KENOSHA COUNTIES...

At 419 PM CDT, a strong thunderstorm was located near
Fontana-On-Geneva Lake, or near Williams Bay, moving east at 40 mph.

Wind gusts up to 50 mph and dime size hail are possible with this
storm.

Locations impacted include...
Lake Geneva, Twin Lakes, Paddock Lake, Williams Bay, Camp Lake, Genoa
City, Walworth, Silver Lake, Fontana-On-Geneva Lake, Powers Lake,
Bohners Lake, Como, Pell Lake, Salem, Bristol, Bassett, New Munster,
Slades Corners and Delavan Lake.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

LAT...LON 4260 8862 4265 8801 4249 8801 4250 8861
TIME...MOT...LOC 2119Z 268DEG 33KT 4251 8852

MBK
Special weather statement, Aug 10, 3:23 PM CST, 25 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
423 PM CDT THU AUG 10 2017

WIZ058-063>065-069-102200-
Dodge-Rock-Waukesha-Jefferson-Dane-
423 PM CDT THU AUG 10 2017

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT WEST CENTRAL WAUKESHA...
SOUTHEASTERN DANE AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES...

At 423 PM CDT, a strong thunderstorm was located near Cambridge, or 7
miles north of Edgerton, moving northeast at 45 mph.

Locations impacted include...
Watertown, Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Lake Mills, Edgerton,
Oconomowoc, Johnson Creek, Dousman, Cambridge, Lac La Belle, Lake
Ripley, Lake Koshkonong, Ixonia, Rome, Albion, Milford, Hebron,
Sullivan, Utica and Rockdale.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

LAT...LON 4282 8909 4299 8919 4325 8860 4300 8844
TIME...MOT...LOC 2123Z 244DEG 40KT 4295 8904

MBK
Local storm report, Aug 10, 3:26 PM CST, 22 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MILWAUKEE/SULLIVAN WI
426 PM CDT THU AUG 10 2017

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0415 PM     HAIL             5 NNW FOX LAKE          43.63N 88.93W
08/10/2017  E0.75 INCH       GREEN LAKE         WI   EMERGENCY MNGR

&&

BSH
Local storm report, Aug 10, 3:34 PM CST, 14 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MILWAUKEE/SULLIVAN WI
434 PM CDT THU AUG 10 2017

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0408 PM     HAIL             THERESA                 43.52N 88.45W
08/10/2017  E1.00 INCH       DODGE              WI   TRAINED SPOTTER

            PICTURE RELAYED VIA SOCIAL MEDIA.

&&

BSH
Special weather statement, Aug 10, 3:38 PM CST, 10 minutes before
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Special weather statement, Aug 10, 3:45 PM CST, 3 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
445 PM CDT THU AUG 10 2017

WIZ057-058-063-064-102215-
Dodge-Columbia-Jefferson-Dane-
445 PM CDT THU AUG 10 2017

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT NORTHEASTERN DANE AND
NORTHWESTERN JEFFERSON COUNTIES...

At 445 PM CDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over northeastern
Madison, moving east at 20 mph.

Wind gusts up to 50 mph and dime size hail are possible with this
storm.

Locations impacted include...
Eastern Madison, Sun Prairie, Waunakee, Monona, Windsor, Marshall,
Waterloo, Cottage Grove, Deerfield, Deansville, Token Creek and East
Bristol.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

LAT...LON 4304 8933 4320 8940 4330 8904 4306 8894
TIME...MOT...LOC 2145Z 255DEG 18KT 4314 8931

MBK

The radar

The Green Bay radar (KGRB), 90 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 21:51 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

1 marine thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.

Marine Thunderstorm Wind, Sheboygan to Pt Washington Wi

When
August 10, 3:48 PM CST
Where
Sheboygan to Pt Washington Wi forecast zone, 1.4 mi E of Sheboygan
Measured
36 kt (41 mph) measured gust
Reported by
C-MAN Station
Coordinates
43.750, -87.692

Passing thunderstorms producing strong wind gusts at Sheboygan lakeshore weather station.

What these are

Marine Thunderstorm Wind
Thunderstorm winds of 34 knots or more over coastal or lake waters.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Lake Michigan in 2017Every state in 2017This day in weather history

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-10-01. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 706238.