OEMC Encourages Residents to Exercise Caution Due to Expected High Wind Gusts and High Waves

CHICAGO - The Office of Emergency Management OEMC) is issuing a public safety reminder to residents to exercise  caution today due to inclement weather conditions that report high winds gusts up to 50 mph and waves as high as 18 to 25 feet off the Lake Michigan shoreline. Heavy and steady rains are also reported for this afternoon.

Due to high waves and wind gusts the Lake Shore Drive bike path is closed. Pedestrians are encouraged to obey all closures and barricades to avoid incident or injury. "Today's weather can cause serious injury if not taken seriously and the recommended precautions are ignored," said OEMC Executive Director Gary Schenkel.

Pedestrians should exercise extreme caution today, if not avoid, running, cycling or walking near the edge of Lake  Michigan as expected high winds and waves can cause wipeout conditions.

Prior to going out today it is advised to tune in to local or national weather broadcast to obtain the most current weather conditions.

To register for emergency notifications, subscribe to Notify Chicago at www.alertchicago.org or for people with disabilities  or seniors to sign up for the new Voluntary Emergency Assistance Registry, see the OEMC website at www.cityofchicago.org/oemc.