20-foot waves expected on Lake Ontario in Mississauga, Hamilton, Oakville and Burlington

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Published December 23, 2022 at 10:08 am

lake ontario storm waves
Photo by SYSS Mouse

Santa may arrive on a surf board this Christmas for lakeside residents in Mississauga, Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville and Durham Region as experts predict waves over 20 feet high on Lake Ontario during the winter storm.

Environment Canada issued a winter storm and/or blizzard warning for all of Ontario.

Wind gusts up to 90 km/h, are expected starting today (Dec. 23) and this will create widespread blowing snow. Snowfall amounts of 5 to 15 cm are expected by Saturday morning. And wind chill values will make it feel into the minus twenties. Flash freeze producing icy and slippery surfaces.

Experts are also predicting massive waves on Lake Ontario.

The Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL), a U.S. scientific organization that observes the Great Lakes, predicts the storm could bring waves over 20 feet high on Lake Ontario.

“Will Santa trade in his sleigh for a surfboard to reach the #GreatLakes region? Only time will tell!” the laboratory tweeted.

GLERL’s WaveWatch III graphics show the waves surging up to 20 feet high near the coastal areas in Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington and Hamilton. But up to 24 feet high in the centre of the lake.

lake ontario storm waves

The storm waves appear to peak around 4 p.m. today (Dec. 23).

“This is an incredibly strong storm that will no doubt cause significant erosion,” Eddie Verhamme, Great Lakes engineer/scientist wrote on Twitter. 

Others are predicting even higher waves of up to 30 feet.

Whatever the height, it’s likely best to stay away from the lake and keep safe during this major winter storm.

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