Highlights:
• Strong Wind Warning in effect for Western Lake Erie
• Forecasts calling for strong southwest winds tomorrow into Thursday.
• Risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent, from overnight tonight until late in the day Thursday.
• Risk of shoreline damage and erosion all along the Lake Erie shoreline, including the high bluffs
Message:
There is a Strong Wind Warning in effect for western Lake Erie from Environment Canada. Winds are currently gentle across the region and from the west or southwest. Forecasts are predicting that winds will rise throughout the evening and stay out of the southwest. Most forecasts are suggesting that, down on the Lake Erie shoreline, sustained winds speeds will rise above 30 km/hr overnight. Various forecasts are calling for peak winds tomorrow during the day with sustained wind speeds ranging from 35 to 45 km/hr. Winds are then supposed to ease off on Thursday but could remain above 30 km/hr. Then late on Thursday winds are predicted to switch west or northwest. Wave forecasts for Lake Erie are calling for waves around 1 to 1.5 m in nearshore areas and 2 m on the open lake.
Due to high lake levels, there is a 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.
There is also a risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent. Flooding could begin overnight and periods of flooding could continue throughout the day Thursday. Flooding is most likely during the day tomorrow. In the past, the predicted peak wind speeds of around 35 km/hr have flooded the front yards of properties and 45 km/hr has put water onto the roadway. Residents in the area should pay close attention to local conditions and be prepared. There could also be impacts to other low-lying shoreline areas that have seen flooding over the last few years.
Currently, winds are not predicted to be strong enough over Lake St. Clair when they switch to the west or northwest to cause issues for the Lake St. Clair shoreline in the LTVCA jurisdiction.
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 November 26, 2021.
Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])