Highlights:

• Strong winds from the north or northwest are forecasted for late this afternoon and this evening.
• Risk of erosion, shoreline damage and flooding along the Lake St. Clair shoreline, including Lighthouse Cove.
• Risk of erosion, shoreline damage and flooding on the bay side of Erieau

Message:

Current weather forecasts are calling for strong north or northwest winds late this afternoon and this evening. Forecasts suggest sustained wind speeds could reach 30 km/hr with gust of 45 km/hr. With these wind speeds, waves up to 0.5 m could be expected on Lake St. Clair. These winds would also produce waves in Rondeau Bay.

These northerly winds will be pushing water and waves onto the Lake St. Clair shoreline. There is a high risk of flooding in the community of Lighthouse Cove. There is also a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause erosion along the Lake St. Clair shoreline around Lighthouse Cove and the nearby areas in Chatham-Kent. These northerly winds will also be pushing water and waves across Rondeau Bay towards the community of Erieau. This creates a risk of flooding for areas on the bay side of Erieau. There is also a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause erosion in the area. As the winds are generally offshore for most of the Lake Erie shoreline, the risks are not as great for the high bluff areas and communities such as Erie Shore Drive.

People should take extra caution and avoid the shoreline should the weather get rough. Also, any waterways with elevated water levels should be avoided. The waves on the lakes can be strong, and the shoreline and the banks of waterways can be slippery. There could also be hazardous debris within the waves and water which could be thrown onto the shoreline. 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 July 23, 2019.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute (519-354-7310 x227) ([email protected])