Dangerous rip currents, high waves expected on Lake Michigan

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Anyone planning to go to the beach Thursday should stay out of the water due to dangerous rip currents that can pull swimmers underwater in an instant, the National Weather Service said.

Waves could reach up to 6 feet high on Lake Michigan until late Thursday night. Structural currents are also expected during that time period.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, the weather service said. They occur most often at low spots or breaks in sand bars. Structural currents for along piers where longshore currents and waves flow in, the weather service said.

Both types of currents can pull people into deeper water, creating dangerous swimming conditions.

To find out more about swim advisories or bans at Chicago beaches, visit www.cpdbeaches.com.