Highlights:

• Strong Wind Warning in effect for western Lake Erie
• Some forecasts calling for strong southwest winds overnight into tomorrow morning.
• 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 light to moderate across the region and generally from the southwest. Forecasts are predicting that winds will rise throughout the day into the overnight period. Most forecasts are predicting that sustained wind speeds will reach around 30 km/hr overnight and some forecasts suggest winds will be closer to 35 or 40 km/hr late overnight or Saturday morning. Winds are then predicted to drop off and switch to the west later on Saturday. Wave forecasts are generally calling for waves around 1 m to 1.5 m in height during this time period.

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 overnight into tomorrow morning. 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 west 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 26, 2021.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])