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By Jillian Zynomirski
The Haldimand Press
HALDIMAND—Strong winds and high waves resulted in freezing spray and an ice-coated lakeshore over the weekend.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) had advised of strong gale winds forecasted for Lake Erie on Friday, February 4, 2021. The 30-50km/h winds, with gusts of up to 85km/h, continued into Saturday, February 5.
The lake was expected to rise by up to one metre and waves were expected to exceed two metres in height. Flooding was also expected in low-lying areas.
On February 5, Haldimand County urged residents to stay away from the shoreline. Haldimand County Emergency Services and Roads Operations crews actively patrolled the lakeshore areas in South Cayuga, Walpole, and Dunnville, and closed the Port Maitland pier.
Freezing temperatures of around -10C resulted in freezing spray from the waves, which layered ice onto everything it touched, including the ground, trees, and structures.
Thick ice can be seen in the photos above from South Cayuga, Port Maitland, and Wainfleet.
As of press time on Tuesday, February 9, everything was still coated in ice as cold temperatures continued.
