Highlights:

• Strong Wind Warning issued by Environment Canada for both Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair.
• Moderate to strong winds could last into the evening period on both lakes
• Risk of shoreline damage, erosion and/or flooding along the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair shorelines.
• Flooding possible along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent this afternoon and evening.
• Flooding possible in Lighthouse Cove this afternoon and evening.

Message:

A Strong Wind Warning has been issued by Environment Canada for both Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair. Current wind conditions in the region have changed from what was previously forecasted. Winds are currently over 30 km/hr from the west over Lake St. Clair and around 25 km/hr from the south-southwest on Lake Erie. While winds had been predicted to shift to the north and drop in speeds this afternoon, it is not clear that this will happen before conditions are reached that may cause flooding. Some forecasts are now suggesting that the winds could remain moderate to strong over Lake St. Clair, and that winds may remain from the southwest over Lake Erie, for the afternoon and evening before they drop overnight. Forecasts also suggest a period of moderate to strong winds from the northwest tomorrow afternoon.

On Lake Erie, since winds are still from a generally southerly direction and around the 25 km/hr threshold, flooding is possible along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent. Waves are also still driving waves onto the Lake Erie shoreline until winds eventually switch around to the west or north. Due to high lake levels, there is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause erosion all along the shoreline, including along the high bluff areas. Residents and workers in shoreline areas should pay attention to local conditions and be prepared.

On Lake St. Clair, if winds continue to stay strong or increase in speeds, there could be impacts in the community of Lighthouse Cove. The winds will be driving waves onto the shoreline, which could cause flooding from wave spray and overtopping of shoreline protection works. Winds will also be pushing water into the east side and later the southeast corner of the lake around Lighthouse Cove. While previous forecasts had not predicted winds to get that high, this effect could raise water levels in the area and cause water to spill out of the canals causing flooding. There is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause erosion, all along the Lake St. Clair shoreline around Lighthouse Cove and nearby areas in Chatham-Kent. Residents in the area 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. Flooding shoreline areas can be especially hazardous 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 May 8, 2020.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])