Massive Waves in Manistee Draw Crowds of Onlookers

The entire Lake Michigan shoreline saw massive waves and high winds today and that drew weather fans to local beaches to check it out for themselves.

“This morning we saw so many cars coming to the beach we thought, ‘Okay we got to go.’” says Karen Hudson, whose condo is right near the water, “Today it’s angry.”

Hudson was like hundreds of other weather fans who heard a powerful gale was going to hit West Michigan and they had to see it for themselves. The high winds and high water levels gave way to massive waves.

“Just the beauty of nature,” says Jeff Lijewski of Manistee, “The waves crashing up against the pier and the power of Mother Nature.”

It was the talk of the town on both sides of the channel.

“Everyone is saying they can’t believe how big it is,“ says Lijewski “They’ve never seen it this strong before.”

“It’s the highest I’ve ever seen it as far as the water,” says Hudson, “I talked to someone who’s been here for 30 years and she says this is the worst it’s ever been, as far as flooding.”

For those living along the lakeshore, record flooding is not what you want to hear. Even the Coast Guard Station was cut off due to flooded roadways.

“I talked to a sanitation worker this morning and he said the spot that we’re standing right now was completely inundated,” says Hudson, “All the way across the street to the homes.”

These onlookers will remember the power they saw today for the rest of their lives.

“It’s beautiful and we love it here,” says Hudson, “And we respect it.”