Low water and strong northwest winds highlight the location of Alligator Reef on the west side of Put-in-Bay Harbor.  Note the rolling wave crests indicating extremely shallow depths.  Image courtesy of OSU Gibraltar Classcam.

Gale winds and frothing waves create a wild and unruly appearance on Lake Erie this Sunday afternoon.  Gusts approaching 50mph are recorded at the Marblehead Buoy with steady wind flow at 20-30mph from the south and southwest.  The air temperature on South Bass Island hovers in the mid-forties, and the water temperature is 49.3ºF.  Dramatic images come from an afternoon drive to Miller Ferry, South Bass Island Lighthouse, South Bass Island State Park, and downtown Put-in-Bay.  Click any image for the enlarged view!

Lake spray fills air!

Miller Boat Line adjusted its schedule to one trip for each island.  For Put-in-Bay, the boat left Catawba Dock at 9:30 and returned from Lime Kiln Dock at 10am.  The Middle Bass Island run left at 9:15 and returned from Catawba at 10:15.  Updates are always available at MillerFerry.com.

Shallow water under Miller Ferry

Weekend weather forecast looks favorable for outdoor activities.

Gale wind gusts and graupel (soft hail or snow pellets) encircled the Bass Islands on Sunday afternoon.  Miller Boat Line cancelled late-afternoon operations as high waves battered the West Shore and Put-in-Bay harbor water levels dropped nearly two feet.  Bob Bahney reports 57mph NW wind at Peach Point.

Fall colors in a variety of island settings lift spirits amidst a high temperature of 50°F and over half inch of rain for the day.  Look to Thursday and Friday for sunny skies and warmth again.