Highlights:

• Forecasts calling for moderate to strong, south or southwest winds overnight through Friday.
• 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:

Weather forecasts for areas along the Lake Erie shoreline in the LTVCA are calling for moderate to strong, south or southwest winds beginning overnight tonight and lasting through Friday evening. Currently, winds across the region are gentle and from the southwest. Most forecasts are predicting that sustained wind speeds will rise above 30 km/hr overnight tonight. From overnight tonight through Friday evening, most forecasts are calling for sustained wind speeds between 30 and 40 km/hr and for winds to be from the south or southwest. A few forecasts suggest the winds could reach up to around 50 km/hr on Friday. Winds are then predicted to drop off slightly Friday overnight into Saturday morning. Wave forecasts for Lake Erie are calling for wave heights of around 1 m to 1.5 m during this period.

Based on these weather forecasts, there a risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent from overnight tonight through Friday evening. Given the forecasts, there would only be low level flooding expected in the areas that have typically been impacted over the last few years. Should the higher wind speed of 50 km/hr been seen, the flooding could be more significant. 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 May 21st, 2022.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])