Wind gusts up to 34mph (Marblehead Station) created a dense ice shove along the western and south-western coast of South Bass Island today. Farther to the east a wide channel of open but slushy water roared onward in a stunning display of natural energy. A special marine weather statement at 5:27pm from the National Weather Service in Cleveland states the following:
As cold arctic air continues to push southeast across the Great Lakes this weekend, a significant period of ice formation and growth will occur on Lake Erie from the western to central basins. Icing is expected to occur along both the nearshore zones and in the open waters. Ice formation will be moderate to rapid in the next four days.