Highlights:

• Strong Wind Warning in effect for western Lake Erie
• Some forecasts calling for strong southwest winds late this afternoon into the overnight
• Risk of thunderstorms this evening and overnight that could drop around 15 mm of rain
• Risk of shoreline damage and erosion all along the Lake Erie shoreline, including the high bluffs.
• Risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent

Message:

There is a Strong Wind Warning in effect for Western Lake Erie. Currently, winds are gentle to moderate across the region and from the south. Forecasts are predicting that winds will rise throughout the day and become more southwesterly. Most forecasts are predicting that sustained wind speeds will reach around 30 km/hr this afternoon. Some forecasts are predicting that winds will continue to rise and could reach around 40 km/hr early this evening and remain strong while thunderstorms pass through the region. As the thunderstorms pass, forecasts are calling for winds to drop and switch to a more northerly direction. Wave forecasts are generally calling for waves around 1 m to 1.5 m in height during this time period. Forecasts suggest thunderstorms could drop around 15 mm of rain this evening and overnight.

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.

There is also some risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent late this afternoon into the overnight. The lower end of the predicted wind speeds are in the range where flooding just begins along Erie Shore Drive. If winds stay down in this range, little flooding would be expected. However, stronger winds predicted by some forecasts are into the range that have previously caused flooding along this road and should the strong winds last for any significant length of time there could be flooding in the area. Residents and workers in the area should be prepared for the possibility of flooding. There could also be impacts to other low-lying shoreline areas that have seen flooding over the last few years.

Currently, winds are not predicted be strong enough when they switch to the north to cause issues for 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 September 16, 2021.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])