Highlights:

• Strong winds in the forecast possibly begin this evening and lasting into Saturday morning.
• On Lake Erie, beginning this evening and lasting into Friday morning, there is a strong risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive, and a risk of shoreline damage and erosion all along the shoreline.
• On Lake St. Clair, Friday afternoon and evening, there is a risk of flooding in Lighthouse Cove and a risk of shoreline damage and erosion all along the shoreline.

Message:

There are strong winds in the forecasts possibly beginning this evening and lasting into Saturday morning. This evening, winds are predicted to switch through the south ending up as southwesterly overnight. Depending on the forecasts one looks at, peak wind speeds could be as high as 45 km/hr this evening or overnight with gusts over 65 km/hr. Friday afternoon winds are predicted to switch to the northwest and during the overnight to the north. Depending on the forecasts one looks at, peak wind speeds Friday evening could be up to 40 km/hr with gusts up to 50 km/hr. Waves could be around 1.5 m in height on Lake Erie and 1 m on Lake St. Clair during this event. In addition, there is rain in the forecasts with the potential for total accumulations of up to 20 mm during this event.

While winds are out of the south and southwest (this evening through Friday morning) there is a strong risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause erosion, all along the Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County, including along the high bluff areas. With the wind speeds in the forecast, flooding should be expected in low lying shoreline areas such as along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent. Residents and workers along the shoreline should pay attention to local conditions and be prepared.

When winds switch to the northwest or north (Friday afternoon and evening) there is some risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause erosion, all along the Lake St. Clair shoreline around Lighthouse Cove and in Chatham-Kent on the east side of the lake. There could also be flooding in Lighthouse Cove depending on how high the wind speeds get. Residents should 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 March 22, 2020.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute (519-354-7310 x277, jason.wintermute@ltvca.ca)