Oct 19, 2011
Strong waves battered the Lake Michigan lake-shore from Milwaukee to Chicago resulting in high surf and coastal wind damage.
A strong high pressure system shifted southeast from Canada interacting with a deepening area of low pressure over the Ohio Valley. This caused a tight pressure gradient across the area causing strong winds especially over the lake. The water vapor animation shows a potent shortwave trough wrapping up over the Ohio Valley which helped strengthen the low pressure system.
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan and Chicago issued a High Wind Warning and Storm Warnings for the western Lake Michigan lake-shore. Bay View, Wisconsin experienced boat damage from waves off of Lake Michigan nearly 20 feet! The wind was less severe over the land due to more friction from hills and trees.
Below you will find video of rough waves impacting the Chicago lakefront due to the strong winds.
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