Drone captures epic wave action during storm warning at Lake Michigan

On By Littum

GRAND HAVEN, MI — The wind howled and waves whipped as a gale warning was in effect for much of the Lake Michigan shoreline Thursday.

With a break in the precipitation, MLive multimedia specialist Joel Bissell launched a drone to get a different perspective on the waves.

Lake Michigan Waves

An aerial view of a large wave crashing into the outer lighthouse on the south pier in Grand Haven, Mich. Thursday, November 21, 2024. A gale warning for Lake Michigan was in effect by the NWS with 7-to-10 foot waves, with occasional 12-16 foot waves.Joel Bissell | MLive.com

Lake Michigan Waves

An aerial view of a large wave crashing into the outer lighthouse on the south pier in Grand Haven, Mich. Thursday, November 21, 2024. A gale warning for Lake Michigan was in effect by the NWS with 7-to-10 foot waves, with occasional 12-16 foot waves. The inner lighthouse is also pictured. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

His first flight was at Pere Marquette Beach in Muskegon followed by a flight at Grand Haven State Park as surfers hit the big waves.

Lake Michigan Waves

An aerial view of waves crashing into the Muskegon South Breakwater Light in Muskegon, Mich. Thursday, November 21, 2024. A gale warning for Lake Michigan was in effect by the NWS with 7-to-10 foot waves, with occasional 12 -16 foot waves.Joel Bissell | MLive.com

Lake Michigan Waves

An aerial view of a surfer battling the surf at Grand Haven State Park in Grand Haven, Mich. Thursday, November 21, 2024. A gale warning for Lake Michigan was in effect by the NWS with 7-to-10 foot waves, with occasional 12-16 foot waves.Joel Bissell | MLive.com

Lake Michigan Waves

An aerial view of a large wave crashing into the outer lighthouse on the south pier in Grand Haven, Mich. Thursday, November 21, 2024. A gale warning for Lake Michigan was in effect by the NWS with 7-to-10 foot waves, with occasional 12-16 foot waves. The inner lighthouse is also pictured. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

The ‘Galing Warning’ was in force as of National Weather Service on 21 November from St. Joseph to Manistee. The bulletin recommended winds up to 50 mph with precipitation.

According to the NWS, waves were 7-10 feet with occasional 13-foot waves building to 12-16 feet.

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