Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast has issued a Strong Wind Warning for Western Lake Erie. Weather forecasts are calling for sustained winds from the northeast to easterly direction at speeds of 35 to 40 km/hr, with gusts up to 60 km/hr, for the rest of the day before dropping overnight and switching to the southeast. The Marine Forecast is predicting waves on Lake Erie of 1.5 m in height, dropping to 0.5 m by tomorrow morning.

Northeast winds can push the waters of Lake Erie to the western end causing elevated water levels for the western basin as well as the Rondeau Bay area. High water levels will make shoreline areas more susceptible to flooding and damage from any waves generated by the strong winds. Currently, the forecasted conditions are not as severe as those that caused flooding in the Rose Beach Line, Rondeau Bay and Erieau areas back in April. Nor are the winds forecasted to be from a direction that has typically caused flooding along Erie Shore Drive. However, there is a risk of shoreline flooding and damaging waves should conditions change for the worse. Residents in vulnerable areas along the Lake Erie and Rondeau Bay shorelines should pay attention to local conditions 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 (519-354-7310 x227, [email protected]) regarding this message.
This message will be in effect until June 23th, 2018.