Storm Swept St Joe

This image gives a feel for the ferocity of the gales that sweep across Lake Michigan in the late fall and early spring each year. This storm was the weekend after Thanksgiving, 2002. The winds were sustained at 30-40 mph from the northwest gusting to 60 mph and more. The waves slamming into the pier according to the marine forecast were in the range of 11-16 feet that afternoon. The pier was treacherous and no one dared to venture out on it that day. There was also no one else there in the dunes to the north of the pier to see the ferocity of this storm the day that this photo was taken.

 

All images are Copyrighted by Gary Martin, 1996-2002. No images can be downloaded or used for any purpose without premission in writing from the copyright holder.