Powerful winds reaching speeds of up to 80 miles per hour have triggered a rare and dramatic weather phenomenon on Lake Erie, causing severe flooding in Buffalo, New York, while simultaneously draining water from the opposite shoreline.
What is a Seiche and How Did It Form?
Meteorologists confirmed the event as a seiche, a large standing wave in an enclosed body of water. On Monday 30 December 2025, sustained south-westerly winds of 35 to 45 mph, with gusts peaking at 75 to 80 mph, pushed vast volumes of water from the western basin towards the eastern end of the lake.
Fox8 meteorologist Scott Sabol offered a simple analogy, explaining the effect is "like sloshing the water in your bathtub." He noted, "The water will go from the west of the lake to the east part of the lake and will drastically change the height of the lake over a short period of time." Water levels typically return to normal once the fierce winds subside.
Record Water Level Discrepancy and Impact
The force of the seiche created a staggering difference in lake levels across its 225-mile length. By Monday afternoon, the National Weather Service reported that water levels in Buffalo had risen more than six feet since the early morning. At the opposite end in Toledo, Ohio, levels had plummeted by approximately 13 feet.
Former NWS meteorologist Tom Niziol highlighted the scale on social media, posting, "There is nearly a 19 foot difference now between the water level at Buffalo and Toledo." He shared footage of the violent conditions, stating, "In all my years living up here in Buffalo, I don’t think I’ve ever seen it this bad along the Lakeshore."
Widespread Damage and Official Warnings
The extreme weather led to significant disruption and damage. The National Weather Service had issued a high wind warning for Monday and Tuesday, cautioning residents about the risk of falling trees and power lines. A concurrent lakeshore flood warning was also in effect.
Niziol detailed the aftermath, reporting three hours of wind gusts exceeding 80 mph. As temperatures dropped, heavy freezing spray coated trees and structures, compounding the damage. The event also left a massive Canadian freighter stranded in ice on the lake.
The seiche serves as a stark reminder of the raw power of Great Lakes weather systems, capable of reshaping shorelines and causing major flooding within mere hours.
