Highlights:

• Possibility of southerly winds between 25 and 35 km/hr this evening through tomorrow morning.
• Risk of shoreline damage, erosion and/or flooding all along the Lake Erie shoreline, including the high bluffs.
• Risk of flooding in Lake Erie communities such as Erie Shore Drive.
• Risk of thunderstorms tomorrow

Message:

Winds are currently gentle from the east or northeast throughout the region. Forecasts predict that this afternoon winds will switch to a more southerly direction and pick up speed in the evening. Forecasts suggest that from late this evening though tomorrow morning, the Lake Erie shoreline could see sustained wind speeds between 25 and 35 km/hr from a generally southerly direction. Then tomorrow afternoon, forecasts are calling for winds to drop and switch to the west, eventually switching to the north in the evening. Wave forecasts for Lake Erie are calling for waves of around 1 m in height this evening and tomorrow. Forecast also suggest there is a risk of thundershowers tomorrow.

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 wind direction with possible speeds over 25 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. Residents and workers in shoreline areas should pay attention to local conditions and be prepared.

Heavy rains associated with thunderstorm activity could also cause flooding in low lying shoreline areas on either Lake St. Clair or Lake Erie. Heavy enough rains could cause flooding anywhere in the watershed, but our shoreline communities are particularly vulnerable at this time. Due to the high lake levels, the groundwater table is high and storm water sewer systems and local watercourses are full with lake water. As a result, rainwater is not draining properly from these areas. Any water from upstream making its way downstream on these watercourses into these shoreline areas could cause additional flooding.

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 August 17, 2020.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])