Highlights:

• Winds between moderate and strong in the forecasts overnight and during the day tomorrow.
• Risk of shoreline damage, erosion and/or flooding along the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair shorelines.
• Flooding likey along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent overnight.
• Flooding in Lighthouse Cove is possible throughout the day tomorrow.

Message:

Weather forecasts are calling for winds speeds between moderate and strong from the southwest overnight and the northwest during the day tomorrow. Winds are currently light from the east. As the day progresses, winds are predicted to shift around to the south and then to the southwest late this evening or overnight. These southwest winds are predicted to rise above 30 km/hr at times with gusts over 50 km/hr. As we move into the morning, winds are predicted to shift to the northwest. Winds are predicted to remain between 30 and 40 km/hr for most of the day and into the evening. We could also see wind gusts between 50 and 65 km/hr with these winds. Waves of 1 to 1.5 m are predicted on Lake Erie and 0.5 to 1 m on Lake St. Clair during times of peak winds. Long range forecasts are not showing any other events of concern until the weekend.

Overnight, when winds are from the south and southwest, winds will be driving waves onto our Lake Erie shoreline throughout Chatham-Kent and Elgin County. Due to high lake levels, there is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause erosion all along the shoreline, including along the high bluff areas. Flooding is likely along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent given the predicted wind speeds and direction. Residents and workers in the area should pay attention to local conditions and be prepared.

Throughout the day tomorrow, when winds are out of the northwest, there could be impacts on Lake St. Clair. Winds will be pushing water into the southeast corner of the lake around Lighthouse Cove which could raise water levels in the area and cause water to spill out of the canals causing flooding. The winds will also be driving waves onto the shoreline, which could cause flooding from wave spray and overtopping of shoreline protection works. There is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause erosion, all along the Lake St. Clair shoreline around Lighthouse Cove and nearby areas in Chatham-Kent. Residents in the areas hold pay attention to local conditions and be prepared.

People should take extra caution and avoid the shoreline should conditions get rough. 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 shore. 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 April 22, 2020.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute (jason.wintermute@ltvca.ca)