Highlights:

• Moderate to strong southwest winds in the forecast beginning tonight and lasting into Tuesday morning.
• 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 southwest winds beginning overnight tonight and lasting into Tuesday morning. The forecasts suggest that down on Lake Erie winds could climb above 25 km/hr sometime overnight and should stay between 20 and 35 km/hr from the southwest all the way into Tuesday morning. Of course, there is some uncertainty in the forecasts considering how for out the forecasts extend. Waves of 1 to 2 m in height should be expected during this period. There is also some rain in the long range forecast for Monday and/or Tuesday.

While the forecast wind speeds would generally not be considered strong, the southwest winds are coming from a direction that has been causing problems along the shoreline. The upper end of the wind speed predictions are also in the range that have been causing problems along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent. There is a risk of shoreline damage and erosion all along the Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County. Along Erie Shore Drive, some flooding should be expected over the coming days. 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. 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 11 , 2020.

Contact: Jason Wintermute (jason.wintermute@ltvca.ca) regarding this message.