High waves expected in Lake Erie

Big waves are expected on Lake Erie on Friday.

Expect waves of five to 10 feet in Lake Erie Friday morning, according to a meteorologist in Toledo, Ohio.

Meteorologist Ross Ellet is warning of another dramatic seiche unfolding early Friday morning bringing dangerously low water levels and hazardous conditions

Ellet says forecast models closely resemble the event seen in November that uncovered a ship wreck near Kingsville.

The skeleton of the ship was exposed by strong winds that caused water levels to drop substantially for a short time but conditions between Amherstburg and Point Pelee will appear mild compared to the area east of Cleveland where the national weather service warns gale-force winds could cause waves to reach up to 20-feet tall.

That would create treacherous conditions for boaters and anyone near the shoreline.

The water could then rise steadily throughout the day, about five-and-a-half feet between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., rather than rushing back suddenly.

Officials are reminding the public to stay well back from the waves and to use extreme caution along the lakeshore.