Highlights:

• Forecast calling for moderate to strong south or southwest winds tomorrow afternoon and evening on Lake Erie
• Risk of shoreline damage, erosion and/or flooding all along the Lake Erie shoreline, including the high bluffs.
• Some flooding likely along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent tomorrow afternoon and evening.

Message:

Weather forecasts are calling for moderate to strong winds from the south or southwest tomorrow afternoon and evening down on Lake Erie. Currently we have light winds out of the northwest. Forecasts are predicting that the winds will stay light and switch to the south overnight. Winds are then predicted to pick up late in the morning. Forecasts suggest we could see winds between 25 and 35 km/hr from the south or southwest throughout the afternoon and evening periods. Winds are then predicted to lighten up on Sunday and switch to the north or northwest for Monday when winds are predicted to be moderate again. Waves of around 1 m would be expected on Lake Erie 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 south or southwest wind direction and speeds above the 25 km/hr threshold, some flooding is likely along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent tomorrow afternoon and evening. Current predictions for the north or northwest winds on Monday are not high enough to anticipate significant flooding on either Lake Erie or Lake St. Clair. However, weather conditions can change rapidly. Residents and workers in the area 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 May 3, 2020.

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