Great Lakes, Great Waves

Just listening to some of the weather forecasts that are blowing through the Chicago area this weekend and heard something quite interesting about the water levels in the Great Lakes. Back in June 26, 1954, a tidal wave hit Lake Michigan. Actually it was a seiche. A seiche is sort of like a tidal wave, but the water just builds after winds and air pressure make a ‘great’ lake ebb and flow. This seiche ended up hitting Chicago, and was 10 feet high. The water level raised after it rushed back from the other side of Lake Michigan, and surged 10 feet, into the city.  One article I read noted the lake surged 1 1/2 miles into the city.  Tonight, the news says the lake level is already down 2 feet. Lake goers, pay attention. NOAA and GLERL help you track the troubled waters. Don’t mess with Mother Nature, and hey, take it easy out there!