High winds on Sunday and Monday at the Lake Erie region, created a sort of oxymoron – rare scenic weather phenomenon and travel delays – the ice tsunami. A wall of ice pushed onshore along the lake in just 15 minutes. The ice wall was so large that eventually it forced the department to close streets to the public.
Hundreds of chunks of ice on shore were pushed over the barriers provided an incredible sight along the Niagara River. Ice tsunami bulldozed trees and street lamps. The ice wave even caused mandatory evacuations around the region, including Hoover Beach in Hamburg, New York.
There has never been the phenomenon of the ice being pushed up against the walls and right up onto the patios.
National Weather Service is warning that winds along Lake Ontario could also reach 75 mph, causing “extensive damage to trees and power lines, widespread power outages, and property damage to roofs and siding.” Those who must travel should be prepared for extensive damage and downed power lines.
The winds are expected to last throughout the day, but, according to the National Weather Service, things will calm down by Tuesday. Residents can get back to looking forward to spring.
Ice tsunamis can be traced back to 1822.
Tags: Ice tsunami, lake erie
