High Waves Delay Memorial Day Weekend Beach Openings In Chicago

CHICAGO — High waves and dangerous currents put the kibosh on city beaches reopening Friday for the first time since 2019.

The National Weather Service issued a beach hazard statement warning waves as high as 11 feet near the Lake Michigan shore will create life-threatening swimming conditions, especially for inexperienced swimmers.

The weather service advised people to "remain out of the water to avoid dangerous swimming conditions and do not venture out onto piers, jetties, break walls, or other shoreline structures."

The hazardous swimming conditions are expected to effect beaches in Lake and Cook counties until Saturday night. As of Friday, biking and pedestrian trails between Oak and Ohio streets were closed due to high winds and waves.

Information on Chicago Park District beach advisories is available online.