Highlights:

• Strong Wind Warning has been issued for Lake Erie.
• Risk of erosion and shoreline damage on south facing shorelines
• Risk of flooding and wave spray related flooding in low lying shoreline areas such as Erie Shore Drive

Message:

Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast has issued a Strong Wind Warning for Lake Erie. Forecasts are calling for wind speeds between 30 and 45 km/hr from the south this afternoon and evening with gusts up to 60 km/hr. Waves could reach 1.5 m in height.

The risks associated with this event are related to wave action on south facing shorelines. Strong winds will be driving waves onto most of the Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County. There is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause shoreline erosion. Erie Shore Drive and other low lying shorelines could see flooding caused from spray when waves crash against the shoreline protection works. The high bluff areas of the shoreline will be subject to wave action for the entire period. Residents along the Lake Erie shoreline should pay attention to local conditions and prepare accordingly.

People should take extra caution and avoid the shoreline. 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 animals should be kept away from the water.

Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected]) regarding this message.

This message will be in effect until May 20th, 2019