Highlights:
• Flooding is currently occurring in communities on Rondeau Bay such as Erieau and Shrewsbury
• As winds shift to the south this afternoon, there is a greater risk of flooding for Erie Shore Drive and other communities with south facing shorelines.
• Risk of shoreline erosion along all the Lake Erie shoreline
Message:
Strong winds from the east and elevated water levels in the western end of Lake Erie had been predicted for last night. However, the winds overnight and this morning peaked at almost 20 km/hr higher than predicted and water levels climbed about 10 cm higher than predicted.
There is currently flooding occurring in the communities backing onto Rondeau Bay. Approximately three dozen homes in Erieau appear to be affected and there is some water on the roads. There are also properties in Shrewsbury that are affected. Elsewhere around Rondeau Bay, water levels in the ditches and roadside drains are very high and impacting low lying areas.
Strong winds are expected throughout the day with winds from the east this morning expected to shift to a more southerly direction. However, with water levels still high in the western end of the lake, any wave action has the potential for great impacts.
As winds shift to the south, those communities on Lake Erie or the north end of Rondeau Bay are more likely to be impacted by flooding; such as Erie Shore Drive, Rose Beach Line, Rondeau Bay Estates and Wheatley. However, the whole Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County will be subject to wave action and there is a risk of damage shoreline protection works and shoreline erosion.
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.
Contact: Jason Wintermute (519-354-7310 x227) ([email protected]) regarding this message.
This message will be in effect until May 2nd, 2019.