Highlights:

·         Environment Canada has a Strong Wind Warning in effect for western Lake Erie.

·         Forecasts are calling for easterly winds today persisting into late Saturday which may push waves and water into the western basin of Lake Erie.

·         Risk of shoreline damage, erosion and/or flooding all along the Lake Erie shoreline, including the high bluff areas, as well as in Shrewsbury, the bay side of Erieau, Wheatley, and possibly the Rose Beach Line area.

 

Message:

A Strong Wind Warning has been issued by Environment Canada for western Lake Erie.  Weather forecasts are calling for easterly winds today and lasting through Saturday.  Sustained wind speeds are expected to range between 20 and 35 km/hour with gusts up to 50 km/hour.  During this entire period, winds are generally expected to remain from an easterly direction but may switch to be northeasterly or southeasterly throughout.  Wave heights on Lake Erie are expected to build from 0.5 m to 1.5 m by Friday evening.

While winds are out of the east, they will be driving waves onto our Lake Erie shoreline throughout Chatham-Kent and Elgin County.  There is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause erosion all along the shoreline, including along the high bluff areas.  There could also be flooding in low lying shoreline areas.  Wind speeds around 35 km/hour have previously produced flooding in the Rondeau Bay communities of Shrewsbury and on the bay side of Erieau as well as in Wheatley.  The waves may also drive sand into the mouths of local creeks and drains which outlet on the shoreline which could create a damming effect and impact drainage of those watercourses.

The forecasts suggest that, for most of this event, Erie Shore Drive would be sheltered but there is still some risk there if winds switch to the southeast.  Shoreline areas on Lake St. Clair in the LTVCA jurisdiction would also be sheltered from this wind event.  The extended period of time that winds are out of the east could lead to impacts beyond what is typically expected for these wind speeds.

Residents and workers in shoreline areas should pay attention to local conditions and be prepared.  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 August 16, 2020

Message Contact:  Jason Homewood ([email protected])