Two men were critically injured in water-related accidents Thursday at separate Lake Michigan beaches.
Chicago fire officials said a 20-year-old man was pulled out the water around 5 p.m. at Ohio Street Beach. He was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and listed in critical condition.
Hours later, about 10:30 p.m., a 65-year-old man was pulled from the water at 31st Street Beach. He also was reported in critical condition at the hospital.
Weather officials warned of high waves and dangerous currents at Lake Michigan’s beaches Thursday that continued into Friday afternoon.
Friday Morning Swim Club, which draws large crowds to Montrose Harbor for unofficial jumps into Lake Michigan throughout the summer, had canceled their regular Friday meeting. Despite the cancellation and hazardous conditions, Chicago police said around 250 people came to Montrose Beach Friday morning.
Friday, weather officials said there is a 20% chance of rain in portions of north central and northeast Illinois, and northwest Indiana. Scattered thunderstorms are possible Friday afternoon into the evening hours.
Other parts of Illinois are still dealing with excessive heat with temperatures expected to hit 100 degrees.
Conditions at O’Hare International Airport on Friday are mostly cloudy at 80 degrees. At Midway Airport conditions were about the same at 78 degrees.
Chicago Tribune’s Jake Sheridan contributed.
