Severe Weather: S.S. Badger Remains Docked Friday On Lake Michigan

James

3 min read

Post on Sep 06, 2025

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Severe Weather: S.S. Badger Remains Docked Friday on Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan's iconic car ferry, the S.S. Badger, remains docked in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, on Friday due to severe weather conditions. High winds and rough seas on Lake Michigan have forced the cancellation of its scheduled crossings, leaving passengers stranded and highlighting the power of Mother Nature.

The National Weather Service issued a gale warning for Lake Michigan on Thursday, predicting sustained winds of 30-40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. These conditions, coupled with significant wave heights, create extremely hazardous conditions for the large car ferry. The S.S. Badger, known for its historic charm and lake crossing service between Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and Ludington, Michigan, is no exception.

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Safety First: Prioritizing Passenger Well-being

The decision to cancel Friday's crossings was made prioritizing passenger safety. The S.S. Badger's operators, Lake Michigan Carferry, stated in a press release that passenger and crew safety is their paramount concern. The company emphasized that the rough seas present an unacceptable risk, making operation of the vessel unsafe. "The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority," a spokesperson for Lake Michigan Carferry said. "We will continue to monitor the weather closely and resume service as soon as it is safe to do so."

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Impact on Travelers and Tourism

The cancellation impacts numerous travelers relying on the S.S. Badger for transportation between Wisconsin and Michigan. Many tourists utilize the ferry as part of their vacation plans, and the disruption causes significant inconvenience. The cancellation also affects local businesses in both Manitowoc and Ludington that rely on the ferry's tourism revenue.

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When Will the S.S. Badger Sail Again?

The resumption of S.S. Badger service depends entirely on improving weather conditions. Lake Michigan Carferry will continue to monitor weather forecasts closely and provide updates on their website and social media channels. Passengers are advised to check for updates before heading to the docks. It's highly recommended to sign up for email alerts from Lake Michigan Carferry for real-time information regarding sailing schedules. [Link to Lake Michigan Carferry website]

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Lake Michigan Weather: A Powerful Force

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of Lake Michigan weather. The lake's vastness and susceptibility to strong winds can quickly create dangerous conditions for even the most robust vessels. This event underscores the importance of consistently monitoring weather forecasts before traveling on the lake, whether by ferry or other watercraft. For up-to-date weather information for Lake Michigan, check the National Weather Service website. [Link to National Weather Service website]

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Looking Ahead:

While the current disruption is disappointing for many, the prioritization of safety is commendable. The S.S. Badger, a historic vessel and a vital part of the Great Lakes transportation system, will resume service as soon as conditions allow, continuing its tradition of connecting Wisconsin and Michigan. Stay tuned for further updates from Lake Michigan Carferry.

Keywords: S.S. Badger, Lake Michigan, severe weather, gale warning, car ferry, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Ludington, Michigan, travel disruption, passenger safety, Lake Michigan Carferry, National Weather Service, weather forecast, Great Lakes, ferry cancellation, high winds, rough seas.