‘Stay off the ice’: National Weather Service warns of dangerous conditions on Lake Erie

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - The United States Coast Guard, along with the National Weather Service and 19 First Alert Weather Team, is warning everyone to stay off the ice on Lake Erie.

Despite the ice being thicker along the lakeshore, strong south winds gusting 20 to 30 MPH can cause the ice along the shore to break off, according to Meteorologist Kelly Dobeck.

No ice is safe ice, Dobeck said, but you have a much higher chance of being trapped on the ice Sunday because of strong winds.

Coast Guard officials said that just because the ice may look thick enough to walk on, doesn’t mean it is thick enough to support weight or multiple people.

Winds will increase from the southwest with gusts to 25 MPH possible Sunday. You are urged to stay off the ice on Lake Erie as there is the possibility that the ice will drift away from shore. Dangerous ice conditions could develop causing people to become trapped on the ice. pic.twitter.com/a7scZL61uS
— NWS Cleveland (@NWSCLE) February 6, 2022

The Coast Guard recommends anyone participating in activities on or near the lake take all appropriate safety precautions, including wearing proper clothing to prevent hypothermia and bright colors, so they can be easily seen by other people.

Also, having safety equipment, such as a whistle, ice awl or screwdriver, or either a Personal Locator Beacon or a waterproof VHF-FM radio is advised.