Currently, weather forecasts are calling for strong southwest winds at times late Friday morning through to the middle of Friday afternoon when they are expected to shift to the west.  Throughout most of this period, sustained winds around 35 km/hr are expected with gusts up to 65 km/hour.  Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast has not yet issued any strong wind warnings but is predicting wave heights for Friday to reach two metres in height.

Earlier this year, flooding has occurred along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent when the area experiences sustained winds above 35 km/hr from a southerly direction (southeast through southwest).  The forecasted wind speeds and wind direction on Friday could create the conditions for flooding in this area.  Associated with the flooding, there is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause shoreline erosion in vulnerable areas.  As temperatures are expected to remain below freezing during this period, there is a risk of icy conditions both on private property as well as on the roadway.  Residents in vulnerable areas along the Lake Erie shoreline should pay attention to local weather forecasts.

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.  Standing water and ice can also present their own unseen hazards.  Children, pets and livestock 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 December 16th, 2017.