Lake Shore Weather Alerts

Photo courtesy CBS Chicago.
See the story here.

This storm is not a good reason to get near the water or to see what a cool photo you can get.  If you are in a high rise and want to send us photos, we would love to see them and run them, but don't put yourself at unnecessary risk.  Don't be stupid.  As the weather service said in its warning to people on the East Coast, think of the risks to the first responders who will have to retrieve your body.

This is what the National Weather Service says about lakeside communities:

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHICAGO IL
343 PM CDT MON OCT 29 2012

LAKE IL-COOK- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...WAUKEGAN...CHICAGO
343 PM CDT MON OCT 29 2012

...Wind advisory remains in effect from 1 am to 7 pm CDT Tuesday...

* Timing...late tonight through early Tuesday evening.

* Winds...northerly at sustained speeds of 30 to 35 mph with gusts of 45 to 55 mph. The strongest winds will be near the Lake Michigan shore.

* Impacts...the strong winds could result in minor wind damage... including downed tree limbs and power lines. High rise buildings near the lake including taller buildings in downtown Chicago will experience even stronger winds...potentially with occasional gusts to near 60 mph...just a couple hundred feet above the ground. Be certain everything that could be susceptible to high winds is secured. The strong northerly winds may adversely impact high profile vehicles...especially on east to west highways.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

A wind advisory means that sustained winds of 30 to 39 mph...or gusts between 45 and 57 mph...are likely. Winds this strong can cause minor property damage unless precautions are taken. Driving may be difficult...especially in high profile vehicles. Motorists should be alert and use caution.