Highlights:

• Yesterday’s Flood Watch is no longer in effect.
• No longer a risk of flooding in Lighthouse Cove or other shoreline issues along Lake St. Clair.
• Some risk remains for shoreline damage, erosion and/or flooding along the Lake Erie shoreline in south facing areas such as Erie Shore Drive, should weather conditions change.

Message:

Yesterday’s Flood Watch for Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie is being downgraded. On the Lake St. Clair shoreline, winds have stayed between 25 and 35 km/hr since late yesterday afternoon. The thin layer of ice on the lake has consolidated in the eastern side of the lake. This ice has prevented wave spray flooding in Lighthouse Cove and other storm related shoreline damage on the lake.

Winds are currently out of the west and almost all forecasts are calling for the winds to remain straight out of the west through Friday. Winds are still expected to rise throughout the day, peaking late this afternoon at speeds possibly as high as 45 km/hr. There is also a possibility that the strong winds will extend into Friday. Temperatures are also predicted to remain beneath freezing point throughout this wind event.

As the winds are predicted to be straight out of the west, down on Lake Erie, these winds will be largely offshore throughout the rest of this event. If the winds do switch to the southwest, there would still be some risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works, cause erosion and potentially cause flooding along the Lake Erie shoreline, for south facing areas such as Erie Shore Drive. Should that occur, due to the temperatures, there would also be a risk of wave spray freezing, leading to dangerous walking and driving conditions. Residents should pay attention to local conditions and be prepared.

People should take extra caution and avoid the shoreline should conditions get rough. The waves can be strong and the shoreline slippery. Flooding shoreline areas can be especially hazardous in freezing conditions. There could also be hazardous debris within the waves and water which could be thrown onto the shore. 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.

This message will be in effect until February 29, 2020.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute (519-354-7310 x277, [email protected])