Avoid Swimming In Lake Erie, National Weather Service Warns

CLEVELAND — Swimmers are being told to avoid Lake Erie's waters on Wednesday and Thursday.

The National Weather Service issued a beach hazards statement on Wednesday, warning Northeast Ohioans to avoid the lake's waters. The warning will remain in place until 5 p.m. Thursday.

"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," the National Weather Service said.

The beach hazards statement has been issued for Ashtabula, Lake, Lorain and Cuyahoga counties in Ohio. Northern Erie County in Pennsylvania is also under the beach hazards statement.

The National Weather Service said there is a high risk of rip currents developing in Lake Erie. Swimmers should not venture into the waters.