Highlights:

• Strong Wind Warning for Lake Erie remains in effect due to strong winds predicted this afternoon through Monday morning.
• Risk of shoreline damage, erosion and flooding along the Lake Erie shoreline, including Erie Shore Drive and the high bluff areas.

Message:

The Strong Wind Warning for Lake Erie issued by Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast remains in effect due to strong winds forecasted this afternoon through Monday morning. Currently winds are out of the southwest and are expected to remain from that direction into Monday morning. Winds along the Lake Erie shoreline are already in the 25 to 30 km/hr range and forecasts are still calling for wind speeds between 30 and 35 km/hr late this afternoon and this evening. Wind speeds overnight and lasting through Sunday evening are forecasted to be in the 35 to 40 km/hr range with some forecasts suggesting winds could get up to 45 km/hr with gusts up to 60 km/hr. Winds overnight Sunday into Monday morning are forecasted to still be in the 25 to 35 km/hr range. Forecasts suggest wave heights on Lake Erie could reach up to 2 m in height this afternoon.

Strong winds will be driving waves onto the Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County. There is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause erosion, all along the Lake Erie shoreline, including along the high bluff areas. Low lying areas could also experience flooding. The area most likely to be impacted is Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent. The wind event that recently caused damage along Erie Shore Drive and triggered a State of Emergency had winds of 35 km/hr from the south. Whether damages will occur will depend on actually how high wind speeds get and the direction they are coming from at the time. 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. 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 October 15, 2019.

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