Strong winds could lead to Lake Erie seiche
Giant waves are forecast on Lake Huron.
How high the waves could get
Strong winds from a clipper system heading for Michigan are expected to create monster waves on the Great Lakes this week.
A gale watch and small craft advisory are in place for mariners, boaters and lakeside communities to prepare across the region as the system moves eastward.
The waters of Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Superior and Lake Erie are under a gale watch in the expectation of strengthening winds reaching 40-45 knots (46-51 mph), according to the National Weather Service. The wind is expected to create large waves, with northern Lake Huron experiencing waves up to 22 feet high from Sturgeon Point Lighthouse (north of Harrisville) to Alabaster.
“Mariners should consider altering plans to avoid possible hazardous conditions,” said the NWS. “Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe wind and waves.”
Lake Michigan, Huron, Superior and Erie are forecast to see waves from 6-19 feet high.
[Lansing State Journal]
Saltie Volgaborg loses power on St. Marys River
12:25 UPDATE: Volgaborg has been cleared to proceed upbound without tug assistance. Anchored vessels will get underway in the same order as they anchored.
ORIGINAL REPORT: SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – Just after 9 a.m. Monday, the upbound saltwater vessel Volgaborg reported it had lost power near Frechette Point on the lower St. Marys River. They were able to get a bow and stern anchor out and did not go aground. The salties Bandura and Shipka, right behind her, anchored immediately in the Nine Mile (Hay Lake) Anchorage. The downbound Federal Bering was able to tie up on the MacArthur Lock lower wall with the assistance of tug Colorado, after which the tug headed down to the Volgaborg to stand by if needed. Although power was reported restored, U.S. Coast Guard inspectors boarded the Volgaborg to make sure the vessel was ready to proceed. Meanwhile, CSL Welland joined the other two vessels in the anchorage around noon, with the downbound Edgar B. Speer being held at the locks. Volgaborg, owned by the Amsterdam-based Royal Wagenborg fleet, is headed for Duluth.
Know Your Ships
[More Photos in the Gallery below]
Christmas Tree Ship: Historically-inspired holiday
tradition returns to National Museum of the Great Lakes
TOLEDO, Ohio — The National Museum of the Great Lakes is holding its annual Christmas Tree Ship event, a tradition with historic roots and an emphasis on giving during the holiday season.
The event encourages the public to purchase a live 5 to 7 foot Christmas Tree for themselves or to donate one to a community member in need. The trees are sourced from Matthes Tree Farm in Ida, Michigan. They can be pre-purchased through Sunday, Nov. 30 at 1 p.m., according to a press release from the museum. Trees are $80 each.
On Saturday, Dec. 6, the public can watch Santa Claus arrive on a tugboat filled with Christmas trees for families.
The event, which is centered around the giving season, also invited the public to purchase gift card donations for the museum to distribute to local organizations, including the East Toledo Family Center, Family House, Lucas County Children Services and Sylvania Area Family Services.
Also partnering with NMGL in the project are presenters UToledo Health and the Port of Museum. The former’s help will ensure every tree or gift card donation will include a health hygiene kit for families in need, NMGL said.
The event will coincide with free museum admission and include a variety of family holiday events, such as the East Toledo Holiday Parade and a Meet and Greet with Santa.
The event takes its inspiration from the historic schooner “Rouse Simmons,” which was known as the original Christmas Tree ship. Rouse Simmons sank on Nov. 23, 1912 while carrying a load of Christmas trees to Chicago. Its captain was well-known for giving trees to families in need, NMGL said on its website.
Those who are interested in learning more about receiving a donated tree should call United Way at 211.
For more information, or to purchase a Christmas tree, click here: https://nmgl.org/event/christmas-tree-ship25/
