Highlights:

• Forecasts calling for strong southerly winds this afternoon and this evening
• Risk of shoreline damage, erosion, and flooding along the Lake Erie shoreline, including Erie Shore Drive

Message:

Forecasts are calling for strong southerly winds along the Lake Erie shoreline this afternoon and this evening. The various forecasts are generally calling for winds between 20 and 40 km/hr this afternoon and winds between 30 and 40 km/hr this evening. Winds are then predicted to slowly drop overnight. Winds are expected to remain from a southerly direction during this entire period. Forecasts are also calling for waves between 1 and 1.5 m on Lake Erie. While temperatures are currently below freezing, they are expected to climb above freezing this afternoon.

Strong winds will be driving waves onto the Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County this afternoon and overnight. There is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause erosion all along the Lake Erie shorelines. This would include a risk of erosion along the high bluff areas. There is also a risk of flooding in low lying shoreline areas. Based on the predicted wind direction, if we get the higher wind speeds predicted, flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent would be expected. Currently, there is also a risk of wave spray freezing when it comes up onto the land. However, as temperatures are predicted to rise above freezing this afternoon that should no longer be risk.

People should take extra caution and avoid the shoreline should conditions get rough. The waves can be strong and the shoreline slippery. This is especially true in freezing conditions. 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 December 13, 2019.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected]) regarding this message.