Highlights:

• Gentle winds in the forecast for the rest of the day before becoming moderate west to southwest winds tomorrow.
• Some risk of shoreline damage, erosion and/or flooding all along the Lake Erie shoreline, including the high bluffs.
• Risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent.

Message:

Weather forecasts are calling for gentle winds for the rest of today and overnight. Tomorrow, winds from the west or southwest are predicted to rise to speeds between 25 and 30 km/hr. Long range forecasts suggest there could be another period of strong southwest winds over the weekend and possibly into early next week. Waves on Lake Erie tomorrow are predicted to be in the 1 to 1.5 m range.

Due to high lake levels, there is some risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause erosion all along the Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County, including along the high bluff areas. Along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent flooding has been observed with wind speeds around 25 km/hr, should the winds come from the right direction for a long enough period of time. Residents and workers in the area should pay attention to local conditions.

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 which could be thrown onto the shore. Standing water can also present unseen hazards. Children and animals 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 April 17, 2020.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])