Highlights:

• Strong Wind Warnings have been issued for western Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair.
• Risk of shoreline damage, erosion and flooding late this evening through the afternoon tomorrow.
• South facing shoreline communities on Lake Erie are at greatest risk, such as Erie Shore Drive, but other areas are also at risk including the high bluff areas.
• Rain in the forecast could aggravate flooding in shoreline areas and the downstream ends of watercourses where they outlet into either lake.

Message:

A Strong Wind Warning has been issued by Environment Canada due to strong winds in the forecast for both Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair. The strong winds are forecasted to start late this evening and last through to tomorrow evening. Winds from the south are forecasted to exceed 35 km/hr by midnight and to exceed 40 km/hr sometime overnight or early tomorrow morning. These south winds are forecasted to remain above 35 km/hr through to tomorrow evening. Wind gusts are forecasted to exceed 60 km/hr during this event and waves on the Lake Erie could reach 1.5 m in height at times. There is also 20 to 25 mm total rain forecasted from this evening through tomorrow afternoon.

Throughout this period, strong south winds will be driving waves onto the Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County. There is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause erosion. South facing communities are most at risk of shoreline damage and flooding in low lying areas. This would include the communities of Erie Shore Drive, Wheatley, Rondeau Bay Estates and the high bluff areas along Lake Erie.

Rain in the forecast is expected to aggravate the flooding situation. The water level (and groundwater table) is so high in shoreline areas that the rain will have problems draining away and may lead to localized flooding. In addition, watercourses that drain into the lakes are already very high in their downstream ends due to the high lake levels. The additional rain has the potential to cause excess flooding from these watercourses.

People should take extra caution and avoid the shoreline and any waterways with elevated water levels. 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. 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 August 28, 2019.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute (519-354-7310 x227) (jason.wintermute@ltvca.ca)