High Waves, Dangerous Waters Close Lakefront Trail Portions

CHICAGO IL — The Chicago Park District closed down portions of the Lakefront Trail due to the threat of high waves caused by winds over Lake Michigan. The district said on its website that "life threatening waves and currents" are expected at the shore's beaches.

The district's decision was based on a warning from the National Weather Service, which warned of the high waves and dangerous swimming conditions.

"These waves combined with near record high lake levels will also result in scattered areas of minor flooding along the immediate lakeshore," as far south as Indiana, the National Weather Service said.

Winds of 25 to 30 mph are partially to blame for the high waves. The National Weather Service said in its Beach Hazards Statement that the waves could reach four to eight feet. The warning lasts through Tuesday morning. They say to expect minor flooding in certain areas.

See the National Weather Service's hazardous weather outlook for high waves here.

The areas around Chicago shut down, according to the Chicago Park District, are:

• Jogging path closed – South of Fullerton to 2200 N. Lakeshore Dr.
• Piers at Montrose Ave. and North Ave. are closed
• Trails between Oak St. and Ohio St. are closed
• Debris on biking and jogging path – North Ave. to Ohio St.
• Debris on biking and jogging path – 45th to 49th Streets