Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast has issued a Strong Wind Warning for western Lake Erie due to predicted high winds tomorrow. Weather forecasts are calling for sustained winds greater than 35 km/hr from the south or southwest beginning tonight and lasting throughout tomorrow into the late evening or early overnight. Depending on the forecasts, sustained winds could peak between 40 and 55 km/hr, most likely tomorrow evening. Wind gust could be expected to exceed 60 km/hr. Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast is predicting wave heights to build to 2 or 3 m by tomorrow morning.

During this period of strong winds and waves, there is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause shoreline erosion along the Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County. Vulnerable areas will likely see localized flooding due to waves crashing against shoreline protection works spraying water up onto the land. The predicted wind speeds and wave heights are similar to those that caused flooding earlier this year along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent. Residents along the Lake Erie shoreline should be prepared.

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. Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards. Children, pets and livestock 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 29th, 2017.

Contact: Jason Wintermute (519-354-7310 x227, [email protected]) regarding this message.