Highlights:

• Record high water levels have been reached on Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair
• At this time, significant flooding not expected over the long weekend
• Chance of minor flooding Sat morning, Sunday overnight and more likely Sunday afternoon though Monday

Message:

Water levels on Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair have broken records. Average daily water levels on St. Clair and Erie were all above their record high monthly mean levels for May. Over the last month, St. Clair has risen about 23 cm and it is about 15 cm higher than this time last year. Over the last month, Erie has risen about 25 cm and it is also about 15 cm higher than this time last year.

With such high water levels, shoreline areas are highly vulnerable to shoreline damage, flooding and erosion. Only moderately high winds can lead to water level changes and waves that cause shoreline issues. Winds out of the northwest above 40 km/hr could be expected to cause issues in the area of Lighthouse Cove on Lake St. Clair. Winds out of the south (southeast to southwest) above 30 km/hr start to cause problems for south facing shorelines on Lake Erie such as Erie Shore Drive. Winds out of the east and northeast above 35 km/hr start to cause problems around Rondeau Bay communities such as Erieau and Shrewsbury. Wind conditions over the lakes can change quickly and with little warning. With such low wind thresholds, unexpected localized flooding may occur. Shoreline residents need to pay attention to local conditions and prepare accordingly.

Over this long weekend, forecasts are calling for several periods of moderately high winds. Saturday morning winds from the east are expected to approach 30 km/hr. Saturday overnight winds are expected to approach 30 km/hr from the southwest. The wind event most likely to cause issues is forecasted for Sunday afternoon lasting into Monday when forecasts are calling for winds between 30 and 40 km/hr from the southwest for the entire period. Shoreline residents need to pay attention to local conditions and prepare accordingly.

Should conditions get rough, people should take extra caution and avoid the shoreline. 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 animals should be kept away from the water. Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.

Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.

This message will be in effect until May 21th, 2019.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected], 519-354-7310 x227) regarding this message.