Highlights:
• Strong Wind Warning in effect from Environment Canada.
• Strong winds in the forecast late this evening into Saturday afternoon.
• Risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent overnight and Saturday morning.
• 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 due to forecasts of strong south or southwest winds predicted over western Lake Erie. Winds are currently moderate and generally from the south across the region. Forecasts are calling for winds to pick up late this evening and sustained wind speeds down on the Lake Erie shoreline could peak between 40 and 55 km/hr (depending on the forecast) overnight or early Saturday morning. There could also be significant wind gusts between 60 and 70 km/hr. At some point Saturday morning winds are predicted to switch more westerly and drop off. Wave forecasts for Lake Erie are calling for wave heights of around 1.5 m to 2 m in nearshore areas and 2 m to 3 m on the open lake during this period.
Based on these weather forecasts, there a risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent from mostly overnight and into Saturday morning. Should only the lower wind speeds in the forecast appear, any flooding should be fairly limited. However, if the higher wind speeds appear and last for more than a few hours, flooding could extend to more properties and possibly make it onto the roadway. 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 October 15th.