Currently, weather forecasts are calling for strong winds at times late this evening through Monday morning. Throughout most of this period, sustained winds around 35 km/hr are expected. Winds are expected to remain out of the west until tomorrow morning when they are expected to shift to the southwest. Winds are then expected to remain from the southwest until Saturday afternoon when they will switch to the northwest. Sunday afternoon, winds are expected to shift back to the southwest and may remain from that direction into Monday. Sustained winds from the southwest are expected to peak late tomorrow afternoon at around 45 km/hr, Saturday in the late morning at around 40 km/hr and Sunday afternoon at around 40 km/hr. Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast has not yet issued any strong wind warnings, and wave forecasts only predict wave heights out until this evening when they are expected to reach 2 m in height.

Earlier this year, flooding has occurred along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent when the area experiences sustained winds above 35 km/hr from the south (southeast through southwest). At various times from this evening into Monday, the wind speeds and direction could create the conditions for flooding in this area. Associated with the flooding, there is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause shoreline erosion in vulnerable areas. As temperatures are expected to remain near or below freezing during this period, there is a risk of icy conditions both on private property as well as on the roadway. Residents in vulnerable areas along the Lake Erie shoreline should pay attention to local weather forecasts.

People should take extra caution and avoid the shoreline should conditions get rough. The waves can be strong and the shoreline slippery. There could also be hazardous debris within the waves and water. Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards. Children, pets and livestock should be kept away from the water.

Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.

This message will be in effect until December 12th, 2017.

Contact: Jason Homewood (519-354-7310 x225, [email protected]) regarding this message.