The National Weather Service has issued a lakeshore flood warning for Evanston and the rest of Lake Michigan’s Cook County shoreline for Tuesday and Wednesday.
The remnants of Hurricane Sandy are forecast to move across the area from late tonight through Wednesday with strong northerly winds of 50 to 60 miles per hour expected for prolonged periods.
Waves across the southern end of the lake are expected to rise to 18 to 23 feet by Tuesday along the Cook County shoreline, with conditions gradually improving late Wednesday afternoon.
The weather service says large waves are expected to batter the beaches and shorline, leading to coastal erosion and flooding.
The weather service has also issued a high wind watch, for sustained winds of 30 to 35 miles per hour and guests of 50 to 60 miles per hour for late tonight through Tuesday evening
Update 1:55 p.m.: Evanston beaches have been closed since Labor Day for swimming, but ity oficials are asking residents walking on or near the lakefront to heed the weather service’s warning. Officials have closed the city’s dog beach until the storm has passed.
Update 3:30 :p.m.: Hundreds of flights from Chicago to east coast destinations from Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports have been cancelled. And restaurateurs are reporting difficulty getting seafood and other items typically flown in from the Atlantic coast.
Top: Waves at the Evanston boat launch last October. (Evanston Now file photo.)