I know most readers aren’t Lake mariners but if you have a chance, take a look at the updated Great Lakes “weather portal” at www.weather.gov/greatlakes/ .
Text forecasts are still available via links in the lower left but the graphical interface, while certainly different from text, is a vast improvement over east/west, north/south general forecasts of 20 years ago. Coupled with the NDBC site, an understanding of the national surface maps, and looking out the window, I think we have great tools available for decision making, particularly during fall and early winter.
I am curious if NOAA will begin to transition the coastal zone forecasts to a similar format in the near future.