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

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.

Here’s the wave forecast for all five lakes, from this Friday thru Sunday morning. Will Santa trade in his sleigh for a surfboard to reach the #GreatLakes region? Only time will tell!

Explore GLERL’s experimental GL Coastal Forecasting System: https://t.co/UtpdGRhlrF pic.twitter.com/p2Kgn9oCjh

— NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (@NOAA_GLERL) December 21, 2022

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.

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. 

MASSIVE 24 FT WAVES: Wave height predictions for the #GreatLakes have increased. Peak waves at 4pm Fri with Lake Ontario seeing 24+ft waves! This is an incredibly strong storm that will no doubt cause significant erosion. https://t.co/AKbIPonMNH pic.twitter.com/Nj28vhwuo4

— Eddie Verhamme (@EddieGreatLakes) December 22, 2022

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

Could there be 25-30 foot waves on Lake Ontario with this storm? 😮 https://t.co/qFj3KZj5XI

— Erick Adame (@ErickAdameOnTV) December 22, 2022

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