Highlights:
• The strong winds observed over the last few days are expected to pick up again this afternoon and to last throughout the day Thursday.
• Risk of shoreline damage, erosion and/or flooding along the Lake Erie shoreline, including Erie Shore Drive and the high bluff areas.
Message:
The strong winds observed over the last few days are expected to pick up again this afternoon and to last throughout the day tomorrow and into the evening period. Down on Lake Erie, winds are currently are out of the west-southwest at around 15 km/hr. Forecasts suggest that winds will pick up again and could exceed 35 km/hr sometime this afternoon. Forecasts suggest that winds would then stay between 30 and 40 km/hr through the overnight period and all day Thursday. Forecasts also suggest that the winds will shift to a more southwest or south-southwest direction. Wave forecasts are generally calling for waves on Lake Erie between 1 and 2 m in height during this period.
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. Flooding could also occur in low lying, south facing shoreline areas such as along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent. While the west to southwest wind direction tends to be offshore or along-shore on Lake Erie and rarely produces significant flooding, forecasts suggest there could be periods of more southerly wind directions during this period which do tend to produce worse flooding. The prolonged period of high winds could also have a greater impact than expected. 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.
Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.
This message will be in effect until January 3, 2020.
Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])