 The greatest damage was done on the lakes . Major shipwrecks occurred on all but Lake Ontario , with most happening on southern and western Lake Huron . Lake masters recounted that waves reached at least 35 feet ( 11 m ) in height . Being shorter in length than waves ordinarily formed by gales , they occurred in rapid succession , with three waves frequently striking in succession . Masters also stated that the wind often blew in directions opposite to the waves below . This was the result of the storm 's cyclonic motion , a phenomenon rarely seen on the Great Lakes . 
