Village of Wilmette Issues Severe Weather Warning

The following information was provided by the Village of Wilmette.

The Village of Wilmette, along with the Wilmette Park District, wants to advise you of forecast severe weather conditions that will be impacting Wilmette, particularly along the Lake Michigan shoreline. 

• The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a LAKESHORE FLOOD WARNING, effective from 1 a.m. Tuesday morning until 4 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. The NWS advises that the remnants of Hurricane Sandy are forecast to move across the eastern Great Lakes from Monday night through Wednesday. Due to the large size of this storm system, strong northerly winds of 50 to 60 MPH will occur on Lake Michigan for a prolonged period of time, from late tonight through Tuesday night. As a result, waves across the southern end of Lake Michigan are expected to build significantly, with wave heights of 18 to 23 feet likely by Tuesday along the Cook County shoreline.
• Additionally, the NWS in Chicago has issued a Wind Advisory, which is currently in effect, and beginning at 7:00 a.m. Tuesday morning, a High Wind Warning will be in effect.

The Wilmette Park District has determined that, due to forecasted high winds and damaging waves, Gillson and Langdon Parks/Beaches will be closed to the public starting at 7:00 p.m. tonight, Monday, October 29. The Parks will be opened on a limited basis Tuesday, October. 30, once weather conditions are assessed and the Park District determines that it is safe to do so. 

At such time as Gillson Park is re-opened, the lower portion of the Park will remain closed until the effects of the storm have abated, as these areas are subject to flooding.  This includes the beach parking lot, Overlook Drive and Gillson Park Dog Beach.

Elsewhere along the Lake Michigan shoreline, conditions are anticipated to be hazardous due to high water levels, high waves and high wind. Persons are strongly advised to avoid areas near the Lake that are subject to high water and wave action, to stay off structures near the Lake, and to be alert to possibly rising water conditions and exercise extreme caution.

Sustained high winds may also result in significant tree damage in portions of Wilmette, which can also result in power outages. Residents experiencing a power outage should call 1-800-EDISON-1 to report the outage.