Latest news with #GreatLakes
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Data: Water levels along Great Lakes staying steady
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — It has been nearly five years since Lake Michigan and Lake Huron , causing and damaging several lakeside properties. After five years of steady drops, the lake has returned to average levels and could even stay below the mean this summer. For the month of April, the average water level for — hydrologically, just one lake — was 578.35 feet. That is about 6 inches below the lake's long-term average and nearly 4 feet below the peak measured in July of 2020. Lake Michigan Summer Beach Guide But what's the difference between 2020 and 2025? Why do the lake levels fluctuate? Lauren Fry, a research physical scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab, says it comes down to three primary factors. 'We call it net base and supply,' Fry told News 8. 'That's the combined influence of the precipitation over the lake plus any runoff from the land surface into the lake, minus the evaporation from the lake.' For Lake Michigan/Huron, the record levels of 2020 were years in the making. 'If we looked over the previous five years, (those were among) the wettest five years on record. That was the culmination of several sequences of very wet years that led us up to that record-high water level,' Fry said. , 2019 and 2017 were the two wettest years on record for the Great Lakes basin. The basin collected 42.65 inches and 41.14 inches of precipitation in those years. Since 1895, only one other year cracked 40 inches: 2011 (40.68 inches). 'This time of year, in 2020, there was pretty much no drought in the basin in the spring of 2020. But now, looking at the end of March drought monitor for North America, there are a number of areas that have some level of drought,' Fry said. Pigeon Hill: Another piece of West Michigan lost to time That includes much of Michigan's lower peninsula, along with stretches in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. Much of Minnesota and northern portions of Wisconsin are also considered to be in a . The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is always analyzing data and issuing a for each of the Great Lakes. The current forecast shows it's more likely than not that Lake Michigan/Huron will fall short of the long-term average when it peaks later this summer. The summer peak hasn't come in below the long-term average since 2013. Levels on Lake Michigan/Huron have been trending steadily lower since 2020, but data shows the levels shouldn't drop notably in the coming year. The Great Lakes Basin has collected anywhere between 34 and 36.2 inches of precipitation in each of the five years. They were not the wettest years on record, but consistently higher than most years. Geography plays a role in how that precipitation formula impacts the lakes differently. Lake Michigan/Huron hit record highs in July 2020, but not the others. Erie and Ontario actually hit record highs the year before and were slightly lower in 2020. Same with Lake Superior, which was just inches shy of its all-time record in 2019. Fear of chapel falling in gone, Camp Geneva has a beach again While the basin numbers are high, more precise data would favor Lake Michigan/Huron. That lake and the nearby areas that feed into it received a higher portion of the precipitation than the other lakes. Therefore, Lake Michigan/Huron rose sharply in 2020, while the others fell short of their 2019 numbers. Because of the 2020 spike, we know the negative impacts of high lake levels, but what about low levels? Fry says there are several potential problems, including water access. 'Your boat in your marina might have a harder time. You might have to have more dredging, navigation impacts. Big freighters may have less ability to carry as much freight,' Fry surmised. A lakeshore legend: Carousel keeps Silver Beach's history alive Fish habitat on the Great Lakes wouldn't be impacted much by a drop in levels but other parts of the system could be. 'It (likely) wouldn't be in the lakes, but it'd probably be in the feeder system. Wetlands and stuff that drain into (the lakes),' Fry said. 'If the lakes are low, that means they are low, too.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Miami Herald
20 hours ago
- Climate
- Miami Herald
Millions Across 3 States Told to Close Windows, Limit Outside Activity
Millions of residents in Texas, Minnesota, and Michigan are under air quality alerts this weekend as authorities warn of unhealthy levels of ozone and fine particle pollution. The alerts come as wildfires are burning across Canada, creating harmful conditions and affecting air quality. Smoke and airborne pollutants can be especially hazardous for individuals with respiratory conditions. So far this year, wildfires have scorched over 1.58 million acres in Canada—roughly 40 percent above the 10-year average for this time of year, CNN reported. The air quality issues affecting these three states stem from a combination of factors. In Texas, high temperatures and stagnant atmospheric conditions have created an environment conducive to ozone buildup. In Minnesota and Michigan, strong northerly winds are carrying smoke from the Canadian wildfires, impacting air quality across the Midwest and Great Lakes regions. Residents in affected areas are advised to check air quality forecasts, limit outdoor activities, avoid exercising outside during peak pollution hours, and use air conditioning systems to keep indoor air clean. Health officials warn that these alerts may extend into the following week if weather conditions persist. In Minnesota, the entire state is under an Air Quality Alert issued by the state's Pollution Control Agency. It remains in effect until 6 p.m. on Monday, June 2. Smoke from massive wildfires burning in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Canada, has been pushed south by northerly winds, blanketing Minnesota in a dense haze. The Air Quality Index is expected to reach the orange and red categories, indicating unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups and the general population in northern parts of the state. The heaviest concentrations of smoke are predicted for Saturday afternoon, with temporary clearing overnight before more smoke returns on Sunday and Monday. Health officials advise residents, particularly children, seniors, and those with asthma or heart disease, to stay indoors, limit exertion, and avoid opening windows. Running air conditioners with high-efficiency filters is also recommended to help reduce indoor pollution. In Michigan, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has declared an Air Quality Advisory that will remain in effect through 6 a.m. Saturday. The advisory covers a wide area stretching from Grand Rapids and Lansing to Detroit and the Upper Peninsula. Fine particulate levels from wildfire smoke have reached the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range, prompting warnings to limit strenuous outdoor activity and keep windows closed. Health officials in Michigan are urging residents to watch for symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing, especially among vulnerable populations like children, older adults, and those with heart or lung conditions. Residents are also encouraged to use air conditioning systems equipped with MERV-13 or higher-rated filters to help maintain cleaner indoor air. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has issued Ozone Action Days for the El Paso area, the Dallas-Fort Worth region, and the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria area. These alerts run from 6 a.m. Saturday through 6 a.m. Sunday for El Paso and Dallas-Fort Worth, and throughout Saturday for the Houston area. Cities such as Downtown El Paso, West El Paso, Upper Valley, Socorro, and Fort Bliss are affected. Residents are urged to reduce activities that produce ozone, such as unnecessary vehicle trips, idling, and outdoor burning. High ozone levels are especially dangerous for children, older adults, and those with existing respiratory or heart conditions, potentially causing throat irritation, coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath. AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said, in an advisory shared with Newsweek: "Most of the time, the smoke will be high-flying and dim the sun, leading to vivid sunrises and sunsets and causing a hazy appearance to the sky overhead. "However, there will be episodes where the smoke can reach the lower levels of the atmosphere and affect visibility and air quality. That could be a safety concern for travel in extreme cases and pose health problems for some individuals with respiratory issues." Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on X, formerly Twitter, Thursday: "I am in close contact with [Saskatchewan] @PremierScottMoe as his province responds to the growing wildfire situation. My government stands ready to mobilize federal support wherever needed. "Saskatchewan, as you fight these wildfires and keep people safe, you have our full support." Residents can stay updated through the National Weather Service and the EPA's AirNow websites, as well as through local state agency websites. Related Articles People in 2 States Told to Monitor Themselves for CoughsChildren Warned to Limit Physical Activity in Two StatesSome People in Florida Advised To Stay Inside Amid Warning of Saharan DustTens of Thousands In Minneapolis Told To Stay Indoors on Memorial Day 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Weekend Forecast
A great weekend on tap with plenty of sunshine both Saturday and Sunday, while we will remain cooler than normal, you can expect temperatures into the low 70's. Saturday's high will reach 71 degrees. Look for a cool start Sunday morning with mainly clear skies temps drop into the mid 40's. Sunday will be another mild day with highs in the mid 70s and mostly sunny skies. You may notice some haze in the skies this weekend as wildfire smoke from Canada gets picked up by the jet stream and moves southward into the Midwest and Great Lakes region. Summer weather finally arrives this upcoming week, as a high pressure builds in, warming us up on Monday to the lower 80s with mostly sunny skies. More sunshine on Tuesday with highs in the mid 80s. Our next chance of rain and thunder arrives late Wednesday into Thursday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Global News
2 days ago
- Business
- Global News
U.S. Army Corps analysis looks at Enbridge's Line 5 tunnel plan and potential environmental impacts
Building an underground tunnel for an aging Enbridge oil pipeline that stretches across a Great Lakes channel could destroy wetlands and harm bat habitats but would eliminate the chances of a boat anchor rupturing the line and causing a catastrophic spill, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Friday in a long-awaited draft analysis of the proposed project's environmental impacts. The analysis moves the corps a step closer to approving the tunnel for Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac. The tunnel was proposed in 2018 at a cost of $500 million but has been bogged down by legal challenges. The corps fast-tracked the project in April after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered federal agencies in January to identify energy projects for expedited emergency permitting. A final environmental assessment is expected by autumn, with a permitting decision to follow later this year. The agency initially planned to issue a permitting decision in early 2026. Story continues below advertisement With that permit in hand, Enbridge would only need permission from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy before it could begin constructing the tunnel. That's far from a given, though. Environmentalists have been pressuring the state to deny the permit. Meanwhile, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer are trying to win court rulings that would force Enbridge to remove the existing pipeline from the straits for good. Construction could have major short-term, long-term impacts The analysis notes that the tunnel would eliminate the risk of a boat anchor rupturing the pipeline and causing a spill in the straits, a key concern for environmentalists. But the construction would have sweeping effects on everything from recreation to wildlife. View image in full screen In this photo shot from a television screen provided by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy in June 2020, shows damage to anchor support EP-17-1 on the east leg of the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline within the Straits of Mackinac in Mich. CREDIT: Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy via AP, File Many of the impacts, such as noise, vistas marred by 121-metre cranes, construction lights degrading stargazing opportunities at Headlands International Dark Sky Park and vibrations that would disturb aquatic wildlife would end when the work is completed, the report found. Story continues below advertisement Other impacts would last longer, including the loss of wetlands and vegetation on both sides of the strait that connects Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, and the loss of nearly 300 trees that the northern long-eared bat and tricoloured bat use to roost. Grading and excavation also could disturb or destroy archaeological sites. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The tunnel-boring machine could cause vibrations that could shift the area's geology. Soil in the construction area could become contaminated and nearly 200 truck trips daily during the six-year construction period would degrade area roads, the analysis found. Gas mixing with water seeping into the tunnel could result in an explosion, but the analysis notes that Enbridge plans to install fans to properly ventilate the tunnel during excavation. Enbridge has pledged to comply with all safety standards, replant vegetation where possible and contain erosion, the analysis noted. The company also has said it would try to limit the loudest work to daytime hours as much as possible, and offset harm to wetlands and protected species by buying credits through mitigation banks. That money can then be used to fund restoration in other areas. 'Our goal is to have the smallest possible environmental footprint,' Enbridge officials said in a statement. The Sierra Club issued a statement Friday saying the tunnel remains 'an existential threat.' 'Chances of an oil spill in the Great Lakes — our most valuable freshwater resource — skyrockets if this tunnel is built in the Straits,' the group said. Story continues below advertisement 'We can't drink oil. We can't fish or swim in oil.' Julie Goodwin, a senior attorney with Earthjustice, an environmental law group that opposes the project, said the corps failed to consider the impacts of a spill that could still happen on either side of the straits or stopping the flow of oil through the Great Lakes. 'My key takeaways are the Army corps has put blinders are in service to Enbridge and President Trump's fossil fuel agenda,' she said. Tunnel would protect portion of Line 5 running through straits Enbridge has been using the Line 5 pipeline to transport crude oil and natural gas liquids between Superior, Wis., and Sarnia, Ont., since 1953. Roughly six kilometres of the pipeline runs along the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac. Story continues below advertisement Concerns about the aging pipeline rupturing and causing a potentially disastrous spill in the straits have been building over the last decade. Those fears intensified in 2018 when an anchor damaged the line. Enbridge contends that the line remains structurally sound, but it struck a deal with then-Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder's administration in 2018 that calls for the company to replace the straits portion of the line with a new section that would be encased in a protective underground tunnel. Enbridge and environmentalists spar in court battles Environmentalists, Indigenous groups and Democrats have been fighting in court for years to stop the tunnel and force Enbridge to remove the existing pipeline from the straits. They've had little success so far. A Michigan appellate court in February validated the state Public Service Commission's permits for the tunnel. Nessel sued in 2019 seeking to void the easement that allows Line 5 to run through the straits. That case is still pending. Whitmer revoked the easement in 2020, but Enbridge challenged that decision and a federal appellate court in April ruled that the case can proceed. Another legal fight over Line 5 in Wisconsin About 19 kilometres of Line 5 runs across the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa's reservation in northern Wisconsin. That tribe sued in 2019 to force Enbridge to remove the line from the reservation, arguing it's prone to spilling and that easements allowing it to operate on the reservation expired in 2013. Story continues below advertisement Enbridge has proposed a 66-kilometre reroute around the reservation. The tribe has filed a lawsuit seeking to void state construction permits for the project and has joined several other groups in challenging the permits through the state's contested case process.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Air quality advisory issued statewide due to Canadian wildfire smoke
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — An air quality advisory has been issued statewide through Saturday morning due to smoke from wildfires in Canada, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy said. EGLE said the conditions may be unhealthy for sensitive groups. The city of Grand Rapids is encouraging residents, especially those with heart disease and respiratory diseases, to avoid strenuous outdoor activities. To help prevent smoke from coming indoors, the city recommends keeping windows closed overnight and running central air with MERV-13 or higher rated filters. The smoke is expected to linger in Michigan through the weekend before seeing some improvement early next week. Hazy skies ahead: Wildfire smoke moving into Michigan Friday 'The 2023 Canadian wildfire event emphasized how important communication is when wildfire smoke may impact Michigan's communities,' Annette Switzer, EGLE's Air Quality Division director, said in a release. 'We want to ensure residents are informed and know how to protect themselves and their families.' For more tips on how to protect yourself from wildfire smoke, visit the . The Air Quality Index can be checked or sent to your inbox by signing up . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
