Highlights:

• Gale Warning has been issued for western Lake Erie.
• Flooding risks for east facing shoreline communities on Lake Erie and Rondeau Bay, including Shrewsbury and on the bay side of Erieau, Friday into Saturday.
• Risk of erosion and shoreline damage for east facing shorelines, including Rose Beach Line and around Wheatley, Friday into Saturday.

Message:

A Gale Warning for western Lake Erie has been issued by Environment Canada due to strong winds in the forecast beginning this morning (Friday). Winds across the region are currently moderate to strong and from the northeast. Winds are predicted to climb this morning and sustained wind speeds could reach 50 km/hr by late this morning. There is some variability in the forecasts, but sustained wind speeds between 40 and 65 km/hr could occur from this morning into Saturday morning. Some forecasts suggest strong winds could continue into Saturday evening. Light rain is also predicted to continue during the day Friday. Waves forecasts for Lake Erie suggest waves could peak in the 1.5 to 2 m height range in nearshore areas and in the 3 to 4 m range offshore.

Northeast winds predicted for Friday and Saturday could produce flooding in the southwest corner of Rondeau Bay and impact the communities of Shrewsbury and the bay side of Erieau. At the lower end of the predicted wind speeds, very limited flooding would be expected in these communities, whereas if the gale force winds appear more widespread flooding should be expected. Other low-lying east facing could also see a risk of flooding. Erie Shore Drive which typically floods during high wind events should not see significant flooding as it is sheltered from winds of this direction.

The northeast winds will be offshore or along shore for most of the Lake Erie shoreline and this means there is generally a lower risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause shoreline erosion than might be expected for such a wind event. However, east facing shorelines, such as the areas around Rose Beach Line and Wheatley, are more vulnerable to such winds.

The predicted wind direction is not expected to cause impacts for the Lake St. Clair shoreline in the LTVCA.

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 shoreline. Standing water can also present unseen hazards. Children and pets 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 30, 2021.

Message contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])