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Great Lakes’ Impact

| October 29, 2012 @ 12:57 pm

While everyone is focused on the East Coast of the United States with the affects of Sandy, as they should be, don’t forget that these five, very large bodies of water will be impacted by Sandy as well. The United States Coast Guard is urging mariners on the Great Lakes to take extreme precautions. Historical waves and surge are expected on the Great Lakes too. Since the lakes are so large, the storm will be causing similar impacts on the lakes to what we are seeing on the ocean. Very large waves and storm surge are forecasted to impact many locations along the shores of the lakes. Lakeshore flood warnings and advisories are in effect for many areas along lakes.

The pressure gradient between the area of high pressure over the Midwest and Sandy will cause these very rough waters on the Great Lakes. The lakes have storm and gale warnings, as well as high surf advisories currently. As the winds blow down the length of the lakes, like in the image below, the water will begin to pile up along the lakeshores and beaches and for that reason, lakeshore flood warnings and advisories are currently in effect. Waves are running 8-9 feet today, and will be building overnight and are expected to be 20-25ft during the worst part of the storm. The waves along with the winds will pile water up on the beaches and shores of the lakes. Massive beach erosion and shoreline flooding are expected with some already occurring.

This event will be impacting the southern shores of the lakes the greatest. No matter where you are on the lakes it will be a dangerous situation, but as far as the flooding, watch out on the southern and western sides and ends of the lakes. Caution needed in Cleveland, Toledo, Chicago, Gary and many other locations.

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Category: Alabama's Weather

About the Author ()

Macon, Georgia Television Chief Meteorologist, Birmingham native, and long time Contributor on AlabamaWX. Stormchaser. I did not choose Weather, it chose Me. College Football Fanatic. @Ryan_Stinnet

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