The Beach Hazard Statement remains in effect for Lake and Porter counties in Indiana until midnight. The Beach Hazard Statement was also previously in effect for Lake Michigan beaches in Cook and Lake counties in Illinois until 4 p.m.
Waves of five to eight feet high were forecast in Cook County and seven to 10 feet in northwest Indiana. There was also the possibility of strong rip currents as well.
As of 1:15 p.m., the Lakefront Trail was closed south of Fullerton Avenue (2400 N. Lakeshore Drive) to roughly Belden Avenue (2100 N. Lakeshore Drive) due to high waves, the Chicago Park District said.
Lake Michigan is only 8 inches away from its all-time record high set in October of 1986, ABC7 meteorologist Larry Mowry said.
WATCH: Latest ABC7 AccuWeather Forecast
High winds led to some downed trees and light poles on Chicago's Northwest Side Thursday morning.
The downed trees were seen in the 3500-block of West Bryn Mawr Avenue, where a light pole damaged at least one car.
High winds knock down trees on NW Side
A car ended up on its side after a driver struck a median in the 900-block of North Michigan Avenue Wednesday night. The driver reported low visibility. Neither the driver nor the passenger were injured.
What is a severe thunderstorm?
What is a severe thunderstorm?