Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast currently has a Strong Wind Warning in effect for western Lake Erie. Weather forecasts are calling for strong winds tomorrow morning and afternoon on Lake Erie with sustained winds of 35 to 45 km/hr from the south or southwest with gusts up to 60 km/hr. Wave heights are expected to reach 1.5 m tomorrow around noon.

These wind speeds and wave heights are much less than those experienced earlier this week. However, they are similar to some events earlier this year that caused some minor flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent.

These south or southwesterly winds will be driving the 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, especially for those areas impacted by the event earlier this week. There could also be some localized flooding due to waves crashing against the shoreline protection spraying water up onto the land. 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. Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards. Children, pets and livestock should be kept away from the water.

Forecasts are predicting stronger winds next Monday and another advisory will likely be issued this weekend. Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.
This message will be in effect until October 28th, 2017.

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