(Toledo, OH) The normally-shallow western Lake Erie basin is deeper than in two decades.
Lake Erie water levels are at their highest level since 1998. Levels are expected to remain four to nine inches above normal through November.
Officials say the high water levels are due to recent heavy rain and months of snow melt flowing into the lake. Officials say the rest of the Great Lakes are also higher than normal.
The normally-shallow western lake basin makes it easier for toxic algae blooms to form. The deeper lake waters may make it better for tourism this summer.