Highlights:

• Moderate to strong south to southwest winds in the forecast tomorrow morning lasting into the afternoon.
• Risk of shoreline damage, erosion and/or flooding along the Lake Erie shoreline, especially Erie Shore Drive

Message:

Weather forecasts are calling for moderate to strong south to southwest winds tomorrow morning and early afternoon. The forecasts suggest that down on Lake Erie winds could climb above 25 km/hr in the late overnight or early morning period and could stay between 25 and 35 km/hr from the south or southwest into the afternoon period. Waves of around 1 m in height would be expected during this period.

While the forecast wind speeds would generally not be considered strong, the south and southwest winds are coming from a direction that has been causing problems along the shoreline. These wind speed predictions are also in the range that has been causing problems along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent. There is some risk of shoreline damage and erosion all along the Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County. Along Erie Shore Drive, some flooding could be expected. Residents and workers in the area 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. 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.

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

This message will be in effect until March 27, 2020.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute (jason.wintermute@ltvca.ca)

COVID-19 Message: Please note that normal flood forecasting and warning operations at the LTVCA will continue, without a reduction in service or interruptions. As the office is closed to the public, the best way to follow up on these messages is by the message contact email address above.