Sandy sends high tides to Michigan, too

Michigan coastal communities prepare for anything hurricane Sandy sends this way

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. – The Jersey shore is not the only place where the surf is up due to hurricane Sandy.

On Lake St. Clair in southeastern Michigan the waves have been up and are expected to get a lot worse in the next 12 to 24 hours.

"On Lake St. Clair, usually (the waves are) 3 to 4 (feet). Eight is not a pretty site," said

At Jefferson Beach Marina in St. Clair Shores they have stopped taking boats out of the water and they are shoring up ones on dry land.

"Today, the weather is so taught that we've basically got to go around and make sure all the boats got enough jack stands under them," said Reese Armstrong. "Make sure all the canvassers are tightened down or else everything will just blow away. Boats may fall over. That's totally changed today."

People with smaller boats, such as Robert Applin, found themselves regretting not having the time to get their craft out of the water.

"Our big thing is time," said Applin. "Let's do it now, get it over with today."

The staff at DeRonne True Value Hardware in Eastpointe are knee-deep in storm preparations. Batteries have been the thing most people stock up on. However, there have been calls for generators, for sale or rent, and chain saws.

People also are bracing for big snow if Sandy sends it toward Michigan. Snow blowers and shovels are at the ready.

Dave DeRonne said his business picked up on Saturday when DTE Energy contractors stopped by.

"Over the weekend, some DTE crews stopped in on their way out east to buy some rain gear. It's great for business," he said.

The Detroit River also is several feet higher than usual. The wind has blown lake water its way.


About the Author:

Rod Meloni is an Emmy Award-winning Business Editor on Local 4 News and a Certified Financial Planner™ Professional.