The devastating winter storm in the US is also affecting Niagara Falls: tourists can currently enjoy spectacular views of the partially frozen attraction. Icebergs pile up near the coast and the landscape is covered with a high, white layer of snow.
Every second, 3,160 tons of water fall from Niagara Falls – this mass of water makes it very rare for them to freeze completely. Usually only the water on the surface freezes when – as is the case in the US now – the temperatures are frigid.
“In particularly cold temperatures, the mist and mist water begin to form an icy crust over the flowing water, making it look like the falls have really stopped flowing. However, the water continues to flow under the ice caps,” the Niagara Park website explains.
“Ice Bridge” over the Niagara River may not be entered
Until the 1960s, ice could impede the flow of water upstream. Subsequently, steel beams were installed, which have since prevented major ice accumulations. In particularly cold winters, a thick blanket can form over the Niagara River – a so-called “ice bridge”. However, it is forbidden to enter after three people died when the ice collapsed while crossing in 1912.
Dozens killed in winter storm
The winter weather with extreme cold and heavy snowfall has already claimed dozens of lives in the US. Wind gusts with speeds of up to nearly 50 kilometers per hour can trap motorists in snow flurries and lose sight of them. Driving bans were therefore issued in some counties on the east shore of Lake Erie. Rail and air traffic were also severely affected.
Source: Krone
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