Avoid Swimming In Lake Erie Over Early Labor Day Weekend

CLEVELAND — Swimmers will want to avoid Lake Erie on Thursday and Friday.

The National Weather Service issued a beach hazards statement warning about the dangers in the lake's waters. There is a high risk of rip currents forming in Lake Erie.

"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 is in effect for Cuyahoga, Lake and Ashtabula counties. The hazards extend into northern Erie County in Pennsylvania.

The beach hazards statement is in effect until at least midnight on Saturday.

The forecast for Labor Day weekend looks otherwise idyllic. Temperatures will be in the low 70s on Friday, and the high 70s for the rest of the weekend. There's little chance of rain and Northeast Ohioans should expect partly cloudy skies through Monday.