Highlights:

• Strong Wind Warning in effect from Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast.
• Moderate to strong, south or southwest, winds forecast from late this afternoon into Tuesday morning.
• Risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent during this period.
• Risk of shoreline damage and erosion all along the Lake Erie shoreline, including the high bluffs.

Message:

There is currently a Strong Wind Warning in effect from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Marine Forecast. Winds are currently light across the region and generally from the south. Weather forecasts are calling for winds to rise this afternoon, possibly reaching sustained wind speeds of 35 km/hr by late this afternoon. In the evening, winds are predicted to switch more to the southwest. From late this afternoon into Tuesday morning, most forecasts are calling for sustained wind speeds in the range of 30 to 40 km/hr, with gusts up to around 60 km/hr. Wind speeds are then predicted to drop off Tuesday morning. Wave forecasts for Lake Erie are calling for wave heights of around 1 m to 1.5 m during this period. There is also a Special Weather Statement in effect due to significant rainfall amounts of 25 to 50 mm expected by Tuesday morning.

Based on these weather forecasts, there a risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent from late this afternoon into Tuesday morning. Should only the lower wind speeds forecast appear, flooding would not be expected along the roadway. However, if the higher wind speeds appear, low level flooding should be expected in those same areas that have typically been impacted over the last few years. Rain and potential thunderstorms in the forecast could also add to flooding in the area. Residents should monitor local conditions and be prepared.

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 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 evening of June 7th.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])