Erie Shore Drive

Storm Surge, Wave Spray Flooding, Shoreline Damage and Erosion

Highlights:

• There is currently flooding along and over Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent.
• The public is asked to avoid the area to ensure emergency services can access the area, if required.
• Current forecasts suggest periods of flooding could continue throughout the remainder of the day and through Thursday.

Message:

There is currently flooding along and over Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent.  LTVCA staff observed flooding on many properties on Erie Shore Drive this morning and, since then, sustained wind speeds have continued to increase. Standing water continues to build up on properties.  There is water on and over the roadway in multiple locations.  However, significant flow across the roadway has not yet been observed.

A strong wind warning from Environment Canada is still in effect.  It is not clear based on forecasts how long the flooding may last.  Some forecasts suggest sustained wind speed may reduce overnight and other forecasts suggest the wind speed may momentarily drop Thursday morning but then pick back up during the day.  Relief will be found as the winds switch to the west and northwest.

The general public is being asked to avoid the area to ensure that emergency services can access the area, if required.  The waves on the lakes can be strong, and the shoreline slippery.  There could also be hazardous debris (e.g. gravel, rocks, bricks, etc.) that the waves throw onto the shoreline which can cause injury or damages.  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 and is being extended through Thursday.

This message will be in effect through to the end of November 25, 2021.