Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast has issued a Strong Wind Warning for Lake Erie. Weather forecasts are calling for sustained winds from the southwest of around 30 km/hr for the rest of today and overnight. Tomorrow morning those winds are expected to rise to around 35 or 40 km/hr before dropping back to around 30 km/hr in the evening. The Marine Forecast predicts waves to reach 1.5 m in height Wednesday morning. The Extended Forecast for Thursday calls for sustained winds from the southwest, generally under 30 km/hr, with the potential for winds to rise up to 35 km/hr in the afternoon. The forecast for Friday suggests those southwest sustained winds could reach up to 45 or 50 km/hr.

Over the last 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 winds over the next few days are right around this threshold and as a result there is a chance for periodic wave spray related flooding over the next few days. Currently, the worst day is predicted to be Friday. The prolonged wave action over this period could also lead to shoreline erosion and damage to shoreline protection works in vulnerable areas. Residents in vulnerable areas along Erie Shore Drive and the Lake Erie shoreline should pay attention to 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. 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 (519-354-7310 x227; [email protected]) regarding this message.
This message will be in effect until May 5th, 2018.