ONEKAMA, Mich. (November 27, 2012)--Water levels on the Great Lakes are falling to troubling lows because of drought and rising temperatures and that’s causing problems in the shipping industry and in small communities with recreational harbors.
The water is at near-record lows on Lakes Michigan and Huron, while Erie, Ontario and Superior are below their historical averages.
Cargo freighters have been forced to lighten loads, marinas have become too shallow for pleasure boats and weeds are sprouting on exposed bottom lands, chasing away swimmers and sunbathers.
Congress used to provide money to dredge channels and repair other infrastructure for small communities, but those special appropriations called "earmarks" have fallen out of favor, which leaves small towns scrambling to find ways to attract recreational traffic such as fishing charters, sailing yachts and motorboats.
|
Lake Information Current Lake Levels Park and Facility Closures Miscellaneous Air Quality Monitoring Official U.S. Time National Weather Service NWS - Homepage NWS - Dallas/Fort Worth Office Local Weather Records Archived U.S. Climate Data Climate Prediction Center National Hurricane Center Storm Prediction Center Preparing For Severe Weather Severe Weather Safety Flood Safety Tips NOAA Weather Radio Travel Information Texas Road Conditions U.S. Flight Delays Weather Projects Rusty's Classroom Weather Lon's Weather Page |
