Highlights:
• Strong Wind Warning in effect for Western Lake Erie
• Forecasts calling for strong southwest winds late this afternoon into the early overnight.
• Risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent
• Risk of shoreline damage and erosion all along the Lake Erie shoreline, including the high bluffs
Message:
There is a Strong Wind Warning in effect for western Lake Erie from Environment Canada. Winds are currently light to moderate across the region and generally from the south. Forecasts are predicting that winds will rise throughout the day and switch more to the southwest. Forecasts for areas down on the Lake Erie shoreline suggest that sustained wind speeds could reach 35 km/hr by late this afternoon. Winds are then predicted to peak later in the evening with sustained wind speeds around 50 km/hr. Late this evening or early overnight, winds are predicted to switch more westerly and eventually to the northwest. Winds are then predicted to drop off. Wave forecasts for Lake Erie are calling for waves around 1 to 1.5 m in nearshore areas and 2 to 3 m on the open lake.
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.
There is also a risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent. The peak wind speeds predicted at around 50 km/hr, and the waves they create, would cause significant flooding in the area, if the wind direction hasn’t switched to the west by that time. 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.
Currently, winds are not predicted to be strong enough over Lake St. Clair when they switch to the west or northwest to cause issues for the Lake St. Clair shoreline in the LTVCA jurisdiction.
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 November 23, 2021.
Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])