Highlights:

• Forecasts calling for strong southerly and southwesterly winds beginning overnight and into Thursday diminishing in the afternoon.
• 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:

Strong southerly and southwesterly winds are forecasted for Thursday, April 21, 2022 along the Lake Erie shoreline in the LTVCA’s area of jurisdiction.  Sustained wind speeds are forecasted to peak around 40-45 km/hour early Thursday morning with gusts up to 65 km/hour and diminish in the afternoon.  The marine forecast suggests the south winds are to peak around 45 km/hour over the lake overnight and then veer southwesterly around 45 km/hour in the morning before diminishing later in the day.  Waves in open water areas are forecasted to reach 1.5 m in height early Thursday morning.

There is a risk of flooding and shoreline damage along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent overnight and Thursday morning.  The wind speeds and directions in the forecasts have caused significant flooding in the area over the last few years and water levels are currently fairly close to where they were at this time last year.  Residents in the area should pay close attention to local conditions and be prepared.  There could also be impacts to other low-lying shoreline areas that have seen flooding over the last few years.

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.

People should take extra caution and avoid the shoreline should conditions get rough.  The waves can be strong and the shoreline slippery.  There could 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 April 22, 2022.

Message Contact:  Jason Homewood ([email protected])