Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes of North America, is currently experiencing significant ice formation along its shores. This phenomenon is due to a major winter storm impacting much of the United States in late January 2026. A stretched polar vortex, influenced by warm Arctic waters and cold continental land, is driving the severe weather, bringing below-zero temperatures, heavy snow, and freezing rain to the region. The resulting ice buildup on Lake Michigan is impacting transportation, with flight cancellations and hazardous driving conditions reported along Lake Michigan Drive. The storm's severity has prompted emergency preparations, including the establishment of shelters and increased salting of roads. The event highlights the vulnerability of the Great Lakes region to extreme weather events influenced by changing climate patterns.