Flood Watch – Lake Erie shoreline, Erie Shore Drive – May 28, 2020 – 4:30 PM – Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority

Highlights:

• Forecasts calling for moderate southwest winds overnight and tomorrow on Lake Erie
• Risk of shoreline damage, erosion and/or flooding all along the Lake Erie shoreline, including the high bluffs.
• Flooding possible along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent overnight and tomorrow.

Message:

Weather forecasts are calling for moderate winds from the southwest overnight and tomorrow down on Lake Erie. Currently we have gentle winds out of the south or southeast. Forecasts are predicting that the winds will slowly rise and switch to the southwest overnight. Some forecasts suggest that winds could climb into the 25 to 30 km/hr range overnight and remain in that range throughout the day tomorrow. Forecasts suggest that in the afternoon or early evening tomorrow, winds will shift to the northwest. Waves of around 1 m could be expected on Lake Erie during this period.

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 southwest wind direction and the potential for wind speeds above the 25 km/hr threshold, flooding is possible along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent overnight and tomorrow. Once winds shift to the northwest later in the day tomorrow, they will no longer present a risk for Erie Shore Drive, and the winds are not predicted to be strong enough to cause issues on Lake St. Clair in the LTVCA.

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 30, 2020.

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