Highlights:

• Multiple Weather Warnings have been issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada, including a Winter Storm Warning, a Marine Storm Warning and a Freezing Spray Warning.
• Gale force and stronger west or southwest winds predicted for Friday and Saturday.
• Risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent during this period.
• Risk of shoreline damage and erosion all along the Lake Erie shoreline, including the high bluffs.

Message:

Multiple Weather Warnings have been issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada related to a winter storm expected to pass through the region Friday into Saturday. Winds are expected to rise overnight tonight and down on the Lake Erie shoreline sustained wind speeds could reach 60 km/h by Friday morning. Sustained wind speeds between 50 and 75 km/h are then predicted to last through Saturday, not dropping back below 45 km/h until overnight Saturday into Sunday morning. Wind gusts of up to 100 km/h are also predicted for Friday and Saturday. Wind direction is predicted to range from west to southwest during this period. The Marine Forecasts suggests that at times sustained winds up to around 100 km/h could be seen over the open waters of Lake Erie. Snowfall amounts over 20 cm are possible for this event leading to issues with reduced visibility due to blowing snow. Temperatures are expected to drop quickly Friday morning leading to warnings about flash freezing. The Marine Forecasts has also issued a warning regarding the risk of freezing wave spray. Wave forecasts suggest waves of up to 3 m in nearshore areas and 5 to 7 m on the open waters of Lake Erie.

Despite recent drops in lake levels, there is a risk of flooding and shoreline damage along the Lake Erie shoreline due to the very large waves and long duration predicted for this storm. Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent is particularly at risk. The risk of flooding begins Friday morning and lasts through to Sunday morning. Typically, when winds are from the west, they would be considered offshore and cause little impact to the shoreline. However, winds may be more west-southwest and at times southwest, and southwest winds typically impact shoreline areas. The long duration of the wind event could worsen any flooding as well. Freezing wave spray could lead to icy and dangerous conditions on properties and even on the roadway of Erie Shore Drive itself. Some impacts to shoreline areas, including Erie Shore Drive should be expected. Residents in the area should pay close attention to local conditions and be prepared.

Due to the very large waves predicted in nearshore areas, there is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause erosion all along the Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County, including along the high bluff areas.

The Lake St. Clair shoreline in the LTVCA jurisdiction is not expected to be impacted by this event.

People should take extra caution and avoid the shoreline area during this event. The waves can be strong and there could also be hazardous debris within the waves and water which could be thrown onto the shore. Freezing spray can create slippery and dangerous conditions. Standing water can also present unseen hazards. Children and animals should be kept away from the water.

Due to weather conditions, officials may not be able to get out to confirm actual flooding and issue any Flood Warnings should flooding occur.

This message will be in effect until noon on December 25, 2022.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])