(Toledo, OH) Communities along the Lake Erie shore are trying to dry out after being pummeled by high waves.
Strong northeast winds are being blamed for high surf in the western basin and flooding in Ottawa and Lucas counties.
The so-called "bathtub effect" pushed the lake's waters west, filling up the western end. The threat only ended when the winds shifted to their normal direction late in the day.
Toledo city crews placed extra pumps throughout Point Place to send the floodwaters back into the lake when high waves crashed over breakwalls, while placing sandbags where needed to protect homes and businesses. Residents of Luna Pier and the Grand Beach area of Frenchtown Township had to be evacuated when high water rushed in.