Highlights:

• Erie Shore Drive has suffered damage due to flooding and is closed until further notice.
• Flooding is still occurring and could be expected to continue into the evening period.

Message:

There has been flooding along Erie Shore Drive overnight and all through the morning, with some flooding still occurring. Shoreline protections in the area have also suffered damage. Sometime overnight or early this morning, the roadway on Erie Shore Drive was damaged. Erie Shore Drive is now closed to traffic until further notice. Only residents and essential services should be in the area. All others should respect the road closure signs.

The Strong Wind Warning from Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast remains in effect for western Lake Erie for the rest of the afternoon. Winds are still currently strong from the southwest. This evening winds are expected to drop and switch to the north or northeast. This should provide relief to Erie Shore Drive. However, the area remains susceptible to flooding given the recent damage that has occurred to shoreline protection works in the area.

As the winds shift to the north, there could be moderate fluctuations of water levels on both Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair of around 8 cm, depending on how the winds transition. However, waves are also expected to drop with the drop in winds.

People should take extra caution and avoid shoreline. 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 shoreline. Standing water can also present unseen hazards. Children and pets 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 June 16, 2019.

For road closure information please contact the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])