Highlights:

• Strong Wind Warning in effect for Western Lake Erie.
• For LTVCA Lake Erie shoreline areas, forecasts are calling for moderate southwest winds Monday, Tuesday, and possibly Wednesday.
• 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 tomorrow through Wednesday.

Message:

There is currently a Strong Wind Warning in effect for Western Lake Erie. Weather forecasts for Lake Erie shoreline areas in the LTVCA are calling for moderate winds from the southwest beginning overnight tonight and lasting through the evening Tuesday. Some long range forecasts suggest that the moderate winds could continue into Wednesday. Currently we have light winds out of the north. Forecasts are predicting that the winds will switch to the southwest this evening and begin to rise. Forecasts suggest that winds could climb into the 25 to 30 km/hr range tomorrow morning and remain in that range straight through Tuesday evening, with a period of slightly lighter winds Monday evening and overnight. Although winds forecasts for Wednesday are too far out to be reliable, some long range forecasts suggest the moderate southwest winds above 25 km/hr could continue into Wednesday. 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 from tomorrow morning through the evening Tuesday, possibly even into Wednesday.

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 June 4, 2020.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])