After making landfall Thursday night along the Florida coast, Hurricane Helene claimed several lives while causing life-threatening flooding and forcing evacuations as it swept across the South.

The National Weather Service in Chicago warned Friday that the remnants of Helene will cause intermittent rain, hazardous lakeshore conditions, and strong winds across the region, impacting residents and travelers alike.

Dangerous lakeshore conditions expected 

The greatest danger is expected along the shores of Lake Michigan, where hazardous conditions are likely to persist throughout the weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazards statement, now in effect through Sunday morning, warning of high wave action and dangerous currents along Lake Michigan. Waves between 7 and 10 feet are expected.

“Swimming conditions will be life-threatening,” the National Weather Service cautioned.

Gary and Chicagoland residents, particularly those who frequent lakeshore trails, are urged to stay away from the water. Anyone who must walk or run along the shoreline should “wear a life jacket in case [they] are swept in,” the National Weather Service said.  

Drowning remains a significant risk in the region. In 2024, at least 44 people have drowned in Lake Michigan, according to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project. Four of those drownings occurred in Northwest Indiana, while 13 were reported in Chicago.

Forecast and warnings for Gary residents

According to the National Weather Service, showers are likely to begin late Friday night into early Saturday morning, mainly after 1 a.m., with cloudy skies and a low around 64 degrees. Winds will be strong, with speeds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts up to 45 mph. The chance of rain is 60%.

On Saturday, rain is expected primarily before 10 a.m., with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 70. The winds will continue, though slightly less intense, blowing at 15 to 20 mph from the northeast. The chance of rain remains 60%, with additional rainfall between a tenth and a quarter of an inch.

Rain chances decrease to 30% Saturday night, mainly before 1 a.m., with mostly cloudy skies and a low around 64. Winds will slow to 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching 20 mph. A similar pattern is forecast for Sunday, with a 30% chance of rain mainly before 1 p.m., and a high near 72.

Travel disruptions

Travelers in the region will also feel the storm’s effects. Flight delays and cancellations have hit O’Hare International Airport and Midway Airport. As of 10 a.m., O’Hare reported 81 incoming flights delayed and 21 canceled in the past 24 hours. Outbound flights saw 48 delays and 10 cancellations. Midway reported 27 delays and 5 cancellations.

Volunteers from Indiana mobilize to help affected areas

While the Midwest braces for the remnants of the storm, volunteers from the Indiana Red Cross are mobilizing to assist those directly impacted by Hurricane Helene in the South. Hundreds of disaster workers are on the ground in Florida and Georgia, including nine volunteers from Indiana, according to an American Red Cross spokesperson. They have been deployed to support relief efforts such as sheltering and feeding displaced residents.Volunteers will be traveling in an emergency response vehicle and will distribute ready-to-eat meals, water, and snacks to those in need, the spokesperson said.

Check back later for updates.