Rotting ice from Lake Nipissing, driven by 60 km/h westerly winds, is being driven into the shoreline of North Bay, threatening property.
Environment Canada is warning that "strong winds gusting to 70 km/h will continue a bit longer this evening, but should continue to gradually weaken with time."
The phenomenon, called "ice tsunamis" or "ice shove" happens periodically when the combination of melting ice and strong onshore winds combine to send sheets of ice onto beaches and property, often destroying docks, boathouse and decks.
Conditions have to be perfect.
Enough melting around the edges of the lake has to take place to allow the ice movement and momentum. The winds have to be strong and in the right direction.
And the ice has to be just right...too solid and it won't break up on the beach or rocks, or too soft and it doesn't have the rigidity to drive onshore.
The good news is the lake is usually ice-free by May 1.
