Highlights:
• Strong Wind Warning has been issued for western Lake Erie.
• Risk of erosion, shoreline damage and flooding all day Saturday and Sunday.
• Flooding risks around the Rondeau Bay area, including Erieau and Shrewsbury.
• Erosion and shoreline damage risk all along the Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and western Elgin County.
Message:
A Strong Wind Warning has been issued by Environment Canada due to strong winds in the forecast for Lake Erie. Winds from the east will pick up strength overnight tonight and remain strong all day Saturday and Sunday. The easterly winds are predicted to be approaching speeds of 30 km/hr for this entire period, reaching up to 35 km/hr at times with gusts of 50 km/hr.
The sustained winds will raise water levels in the western basin of Lake Erie and could raise lake levels in the Rondeau Bay area by an additional 8 cm by Saturday evening. Waves on the lake could be expected to reach between 1 and 1.5 m in height.
Strong winds will be driving waves onto our Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County. There is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause shoreline erosion, including along the high bluff areas. Based on forecasts flooding should be expected on the bay side of Erieau similar to what was experienced back in May. There could also be similar flooding in other communities around Rondeau Bay such as Shrewsbury, Rondeau Bay Estates, and Erie Shore Drive, as well as in flood prone areas further west around Wheatley. Given that water levels have exceeded record highs on Lake Erie, these further rises in water levels increase the risks and may impact new areas previously not known to be at risk. Residents along the Rondeau Bay and Lake Erie shorelines should pay attention to local conditions and prepare accordingly.
People should take extra caution and avoid the 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 10, 2019.
Message Contact: LTVCA Admin Office (519-354-7310) or Jason Wintermute ([email protected])