Highlights:

• There is currently flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent, with water over the road at one location.
• All non-essential traffic should avoid the area to ensure emergency services can access the area if required.
• Current forecasts suggest flooding will continue throughout the afternoon and into the evening when winds speeds are predicted to drop.

Message:

There is currently flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent. Wave spray overnight and this morning has flooded some properties. The flooding does not appear to be widespread. However, water is flowing across the road at one location at the far east end of the road. Cold temperatures have caused some icing on shoreline protection, in rear yards and on the back of several homes. All non-essential traffic should avoid the area to ensure that emergency services can access the area if required.

Forecasts suggest that the flooding is likely to continue for the rest of the afternoon and into the evening. Some forecasts suggest that condition could get slightly worse later in the day. Temperatures are also predicted to increase later today, reducing the risk of icing. Flooding should end this evening when winds speeds are predicted to drop.

Again, people are being asked to avoid the area. The waves on the lakes can be strong, and the shoreline slippery, especially giving the icy conditions that have developed. There could also be hazardous debris within the waves and water which could be thrown onto the shoreline. Standing water can also present unseen hazards. Children especially should be kept away from the water.

The previously issued Flood Watch remains in effect for other areas of the Lake Erie shoreline.

This message will be in effect until January 14, 2021.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])