Erosion Could Soon Send Whole Houses Into Lake Michigan

It looks like a scene on the coast of California, or maybe even a creation of Hollywood.

This is actually in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Drone video shot by Nate's Dronography and shared by The Weather Channel shows a Benton Harbor home along the shore of Lake Michigan in a precarious position. (Photo via YouTube - The Weather Channel)

The land under a number of homes along the shore of Lake Michigan at Benton Harbor is slowly eroding, making the ground unstable and putting the houses in danger of falling into the lake below.

Drone Footage Shows the Problem

Recently, Nate's Dronography captured footage showing just how close several homes along Lake Michigan are to collapse. The footage has been shared by AccuWeather, The Weather Channel, and several other sources - shocking viewers all over the world.

The erosion has been happening over decades, but it's getting worse.

Why Are Several Homes Along Lake Michigan in Danger?

Several factors have combined to make erosion worse along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, according to the Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership.

It might only be a matter of time until these homes along Lake Michigan collapse into the water below. (Photo via YouTube - The Weather Channel)

High water levels in Lake Michigan, powerful storms, and human activity such as construction have all combined to weaken the shoreline.

Can Homes Along Lake Michigan Be Protected Against Erosion?

Experts say while any attempt at mitigation may prove to be too little too late for some homes, there are things that can protect shoreside homes against erosion.

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Seawalls can help prevent more land from being washed away, and certain plants and vegetation and other "bio-engineering" can slow it down. Physically moving houses further away from the shoreline - while expensive - can be another option.

Take a look at the drone video shared by The Weather Channel.

These Are the Incredible and Underrated Beaches of Lake Michigan's Southern Coast

When Lake Michigan beach towns are mentioned, the cities of Michigan's west coast are often thought of. St. Joseph, South Haven, Holland and Grand Haven. A region that gets less notice is Lake Michigan's southern shore. Here are the lowkey great beaches of the southernmost reaches of Lake Michigan.

These Very Special Streets Run Directly Along the Coast of Lake Michigan

From the Indiana state line to the Straits of Mackinac there are special roads that hug the coast of Lake Michigan from big cities to small towns. Here they all are.

Gallery Credit: Eric Meier