Highlights:

• Strong Wind Warning issued for Lake Erie due to strong winds in the forecast this evening and overnight.
• Some risk of shoreline damage, erosion and/or flooding along the Lake Erie shoreline, including Erie Shore Drive and the high bluff areas.
• Temperatures near freezing could lead to icy, dangerous conditions

Message:

A Strong Wind Warning has been issued by Environment Canada due to strong south to southwesterly winds in the forecast for this evening and overnight. Some forecasts are calling for winds between 30 and 35 km/hr during this period. The Marine Forecast is one of the forecasts calling for stronger winds and suggests waves on Lake Erie could reach 1.5 m in height this evening (revised downward from 2 to 3 m by a 10:30 forecast update). In addition, temperatures are expected to be just below freezing during this period.

Should we get these higher winds some forecasts are suggesting, 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. Low lying areas could also experience flooding. The area most vulnerable at this time would be Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent as the area would be exposed to direct wind and wave action and over the last few years flooding tends to start along Erie Shore Drive when winds exceed 30 km/hr from the south. In addition, the freezing temperatures add another level of risk. Wave spray and flood waters could freeze against structures and across the ground. This could block building exits, seal up exhaust vents from homes, or lead to treacherous walking and driving conditions. Residents should pay attention to local conditions and be prepared.

People should take extra caution and avoid the shoreline should conditions get rough. Flooding shoreline areas can be especially hazardous in freezing conditions. 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 November 15, 2019.

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