Highlights:

• Forecasts calling for strong southwest winds Saturday afternoon and evening.
• 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:

There are strong southwest winds in the forecast for tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon and evening along the Lake Erie shoreline in the LTVCA area of jurisdiction. Sustained wind speeds could reach 35 km/hr by noon. Winds are predicted to peak in the late afternoon or early evening with speeds around 45 km/hr and gusts around 70 km/hr. Marine forecasts suggest that wind speeds around 55 km/hr and waves up to 2 m could be seen on the open lake. Winds are then predicted to drop off and switch more westerly later in the evening or overnight.

Due to the strong winds and waves being forecast, there is a risk of flooding and shoreline damage along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent on Saturday. The flooding would be most likely to happen later in the afternoon or evening, but minor flooding could be seen as early as noon. The peak wind speeds and directions in the forecasts have caused significant flooding in the area over the last few years and water levels are currently fairly close to where they were at this time last year. Residents in the area should pay close attention to local conditions and be prepared. There could also be impacts to other low-lying shoreline areas that have seen flooding over the last few years.

Due to high lake levels, 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 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 6 am March 20, 2022.

Message Contact: Jason Homewood ([email protected])