Highlights:

• Forecasts calling for strong southwest winds this evening into the overnight.
• Risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent.
• Risk of shoreline damage and erosion all along the Lake Erie shoreline, including the high bluffs.

Message:

Forecasts are calling for a period of strong southwest winds along the Lake Erie shoreline this evening into the overnight. Forecasts suggest that sustained wind speeds could rise above 35 km/hr late this afternoon or early this evening. Sustained wind speeds could peak anywhere between 40 and 55 km/hr late this evening or early overnight. Areas further east along the shoreline are more likely to see the higher wind speeds as a Gale Warning has been issued outside of the LTVCA jurisdiction for eastern Lake Erie. During the overnight, winds are predicted to switch more westerly or northwesterly and slowly drop off though Wednesday. Wave forecasts for Lake Erie are calling for wave heights of around 1.5 m in nearshore areas, with waves over 2 m on the open lakes. Temperatures are expected to remain above freezing until winds switch away from the southwest.

There a risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent from late this afternoon through the overnight. Flooding tends to begin along the road with wind speeds around the forecast 35 km/hr. Significant flooding could be seen were the 55 km/hr wind speeds to appear and last for more than a few hours. There could also be impacts to other low-lying shoreline areas that have seen flooding over the last few years. Any floodwaters left behind could freeze on Wednesday creating icy and slippery conditions.

Due to high lake levels, there is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause erosion all along the Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County, including along the high bluff areas.

Winds are not predicted to be strong enough when they switch west to cause issues on the Lake St. Clair shoreline in the LTVCA jurisdiction.

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 the afternoon of December 22, 2021.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])