Highlights:

• Strong southwest winds and waves tomorrow afternoon through the overnight period
• Peak winds and waves are expected in the late evening to early overnight period
• Risk of flooding along Erie Shore Dr. and damage all along the shore in Chatham-Kent & Elgin County
• Freezing temperatures could cause hazardous, icy conditions

Weather forecasts are calling for strong sustained winds from the southwest tomorrow afternoon, lasting through the overnight period. During this time, sustained wind speeds above 30 km/hr can be expected. Forecasts suggest wind speeds could peak at around 45 km/hr in the late evening tomorrow. Peak wind gusts could reach 65 km/hr. Waves on Lake Erie are predicted to reach 1.5 m in height during this period.

Strong southwest winds will be driving waves onto our Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County. There is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause shoreline erosion. In flood prone areas such as Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent, flooding caused by waves crashing against the shoreline protection works and spraying water up onto the land is likely to occur if the forecasts hold. In addition, temperatures are expected to remain around the freezing point during this wind event. The wave spray could create hazardous, icy conditions, especially if flood waters reach the roadway. Residents along the Lake Erie shoreline should pay attention to weather forecasts and local conditions and prepare accordingly.

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 shoreline. The water could also freeze creating hazardous, icy conditions. Standing water can also present unseen hazards. Children and pets should be kept away from the water. Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected]) or Jason Homewood ([email protected]) regarding this message.

This message will be in effect until January 16, 2019.