Highlights:

• Strong Wind Warning in effect for western Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair
• Possibility of winds between 25 and 40 km/hr, lasting into the overnight period.
• Risk of flooding in Lake Erie communities such as Erie Shore Drive.
• Risk of shoreline damage, erosion and/or flooding all along the Lake Erie shoreline, including the high bluffs.
• Risk of shoreline damage, erosion and/or flooding along the Lake St. Clair shoreline, including the Lighthouse Cove.

Message:

There are Strong Wind Warnings in effect for western Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair. Currently, winds across the region are from the south-southwest , ranging in speeds from 20 to 40 km/hr. Through the rest of this afternoon and evening, winds speeds are predicted to remain in this range, perhaps not dropping in speeds until sometime in the overnight period or early tomorrow morning. Some forecasts suggest that winds speeds tomorrow could range in the 20 to 30 km/hr range throughout the day. Wind direction is predicted to remain from the southwest for the rest of the afternoon and into the evening before switching to the northwest. Wave forecasts are calling for waves of around 1 to 1.5 m in height on Lake Erie and 0.5 to 1m in height on Lake St. Clair.

Due to high lake levels, there is a 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. Given the predicted southerly or southwesterly wind direction, with possible sustained wind speeds between 25 and 40 km/hr, flooding is possible along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent. Other south-facing shoreline communities along Lake Erie would also be at some risk.

Most forecasts suggest that when winds switch to the northwest this evening, wind speeds could still be in up in the 25 to 40 km/hr range. Due to high lake levels on Lake St. Clair, this presents a risk of erosion, damage to shoreline protection works, and flooding along the Lake St. Clair shoreline in the LTVCA jurisdiction. There is also a risk of flooding in the community of Lighthouse Cove, either from wave action in shoreline areas or from the canals due to lake setup effects.

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 September 5, 2020.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])