Lake Michigan Flood Warning Issued for Chicago

CHICAGO -- A lakeshore flood warning has been issued for Lake Michigan, with the National Weather Service warning that a rapid shift in lake waters is possible, creating a hazardous situation for anyone along the lakeshore.

The city Office of Emergency Management and Communications has notified other city departments of the potential for flash flooding along the Lake Michigan Shore.

OEMC has been in contact with the National Weather Services regarding a special marine seiche warning and the possibility of a rapid two-foot rise in lake levels, according to a release.

OEMC has notified the Police and Fire departments, departments dealing with infrastructure and the Unified Command at the Taste of Chicago, the release said. The agency has also notified the Chicago Park District, Navy Pier and McCormick Place.

Residents are asked to stay away from beaches, the lakefront and marina areas, and residents of those areas are warned to stay away from the edge of the water, the release said. Evacuation of docks, piers and breakwalls is also advised.

According to the Weather Service, a drop of two feet in water levels has been reported at St. Joseph, Mich., indicating that a seiche is in progress across southern Lake Michigan.