Highlights:
• Moderate to strong northeast winds in the forecast late Saturday and Sunday during the day.
• Some risk of shoreline damage and erosion along the shorelines of both Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair as well as in Rondeau Bay.
• Flooding and shoreline damage possible in east-facing shoreline communities such as Rose Beach Line, Wheatley, Shrewsbury and the bay side of Erieau.
Message:
Weather forecasts are calling for moderate to strong northeast winds beginning tomorrow afternoon and lasting throughout the day Sunday. While there are still some uncertainties around these forecasts, some forecasts are suggesting that down on Lake Erie these northeast winds could climb above 30 km/hr Saturday evening. Generally, the forecasts are calling for peak wind speeds from the northeast Sunday morning or early afternoon, somewhere between 35 and 45 km/hr with the potential for gusts over 60 km/hr. Winds are then expected to drop in the evening on Sunday. Wind forecasts for the Lake St. Clair area are for winds to be slightly less strong, however, the forecasts suggest that the winds could switch to a more northerly direction. Waves on Lake Erie could reach 1.5 to 2 m in height and around 0.5 m on Lake St. Clair. In addition to the winds, there could be 5 to 15 mm of rain on Saturday and Sunday.
Since winds are predicted to be out of the northeast, winds would generally be pushing waves along the shoreline of Lake Erie, rather than directly against the shore. This would also be the case for LTVCA’s portion of the Lake St. Clair shoreline. However, there still could be impacts to the shoreline. The current forecasts are predicting wind speeds similar to, or slightly stronger than, those experienced Thursday, and from a similar direction. On Lake Erie, more east-facing shorelines such as around Rose Beach Line and Wheatley could see greater impacts. In addition, the communities around Rondeau Bay, such as Shrewsbury and the bay side of Erieau, saw flooding on Thursday which could also happen for this wind event. Erie Shore Drive would be largely sheltered from this wind event. Should winds switch to the north, there could be some impacts along the Lake St. Clair shoreline around Lighthouse Cove.
Residents and workers in shoreline areas should pay attention to local conditions and be prepared. 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 27, 2020
Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])