Highlights:

• Strong winds from the northwest predicted for late this morning and this afternoon
• Risk of erosion, shoreline damage and flooding along the Lake St. Clair shoreline, including Lighthouse Cove.
• Freezing temperatures means there is a risk of icy shoreline conditions.

Message:

Current weather forecasts are calling for strong northwest winds late this morning and throughout the afternoon. The various forecasts suggest wind speeds between 30 and 40 km/hr during this period with gusts over 50 km/hr. With these wind speeds, waves up to 1 m could be expected on Lake St. Clair. Temperatures will also be well below freezing during this event.

These northwesterly winds will be pushing water and waves into the southeast corner of Lake St. Clair. There is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause erosion along the Lake St. Clair shoreline around Lighthouse Cove and the nearby areas in Chatham-Kent. There is also a risk of flooding in the community of Lighthouse Cove. However, much of the flooding that occurs in Lighthouse Cove under these conditions is due to waves crashing against shoreline protection works and spraying up onto the land. With the freezing temperatures, the spray could freeze which might reduce the amount of flooding, but would also cause dangerous icy and slippery conditions.

People should take extra caution and avoid the shoreline should conditions get rough. The waves on the lakes can be strong, and the shoreline and the banks of waterways can be 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. Freezing temperatures could lead to dangerous slippery, icy conditions in shoreline areas as well. 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 December 19, 2019.

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