Strong winds and high waves will batter the Lake Michigan shoreline today. The National Weather Services has issued both a Gale Warning and a Lakeshore Flood Warning for Berrien and Van Buren counties. Winds along the shore will be gusting to over 50 miles an hour as a cold front moves through, producing waves as high as 12 to 15 feet. Meteorologists say the waves will result in more erosion along with flooding from New Buffalo to as far north as Mason and Oceana counties. Significant erosion of beaches and dunes is expected. A loss of property will be possible, with any buildings near the edge of the dune possibly in danger of falling in. Moderate inundation of low-lying areas along the lakeshore and in river mouths is expected, and road closures are possible. Utilities are also warning of the likelihood of power outages due to downed wires.
