Highlights:

• Strong west to southwest winds throughout the day tomorrow
• Potential for impacts and flooding along Erie Shore Drive

 

Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast has issued a Strong Wind Warning for Western Lake Erie. Weather forecasts are calling for sustained winds exceeding 35 km/hr from the west or southwest throughout the day tomorrow.  Winds are expected to peak around mid-day with forecasts calling for wind speeds over 40 km/hr and gust over to 60 km/hr.  Waves on Lake Erie are forecasted to reach 2 m in height tomorrow.

While winds are out of the southwest, 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 shoreline erosion.  In flood prone areas such as Erie Shore Drive, there could be flooding due to waves crashing against shoreline protection works and spraying up onto the land.  In addition, when temperatures are below the freezing point, the spray can freeze causing slippery and dangerous conditions.  Residents along the Lake Erie shoreline should pay attention to weather forecasts and prepare accordingly.

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 shoreline. Standing water can also present unseen hazards. Children and pets should be kept away from the water. Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected]) regarding this message.

This message will be in effect until November 17, 2018.