Highlights:

• Strong Wind Warning has been issued for Lake Erie due to strong east winds overnight into tomorrow morning.
• Risk of shoreline damage, erosion and flooding along the Lake Erie shore, including the high bluff areas.

A Strong Wind Warning has been issued by Environment Canada due to strong east winds predicted for the overnight period lasting into tomorrow morning. Strong northeast or easterly winds are forecasted to climb above 30 km/hr during the overnight period and switch to the southeast tomorrow morning. Forecasts suggest wind speeds could reach 35 km/hr with gusts up to 50 km/hr. Winds are then forecasted to drop back below 30 km/hr late in the morning or early afternoon. Forecasts suggest wave heights on Lake Erie could reach up to 2 m in height overnight.

Strong winds will be driving waves onto the Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County throughout the overnight period and into tomorrow morning (Saturday). There is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause erosion, all along the Lake Erie shoreline, including along the high bluff areas. Low lying areas could also experience flooding. The area most likely to be impacted is the Rose Beach Line area as it will be exposed to direct wind and wave action for most of this period. While winds are out of the northeast and east, the Erie Shore Drive area will be mostly sheltered. However, when winds shift to the southeast tomorrow morning, Erie Shore Drive would become exposed to greater wave action. There is still some uncertainty in the forecasts and whether there will be damage on Erie Shore Drive depends on the timing of the switch to the southeast and how high the winds are at that time. 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. 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 October 6, 2019.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ( [email protected]) regarding this message.