The Great Lakes' weather effects can have significant impacts on surrounding regions. Lake-effect snow, caused by cold air passing over warm lake waters, often results in heavy snowfall along downwind shores, disrupting transportation and daily activities. Strong winds and large waves, sometimes reaching hurricane-force speeds and heights of up to 27 feet (8.2 meters), pose risks to maritime navigation and contribute to shoreline erosion. Seiches and meteotsunamis can lead to sudden water-level changes, affecting coastal infrastructure and safety. These conditions highlight the importance of monitoring and forecasting systems to mitigate risks for communities and industries reliant on the lakes.