Highlights:

• Strong Wind Warning in effect for western Lake Erie
• Strong south or southwest winds predicted late this evening into tomorrow morning, possibly lasting through the day tomorrow.
• Risk of shoreline damage and erosion all along the Lake Erie shoreline, including the high bluffs
• Flooding expected along Erie Shore Drive.

Message:

There is a Strong Wind Warning in effect for western Lake Erie. Currently, winds across the region are gentle from the south. Forecasts predict that winds will pick up this evening, reaching sustained wind speeds over 30 km/hr early this evening. Winds are predicted to peak overnight with sustained wind speeds in the 45 km/hr range, from the southwest, with gusts well over 65 km/hr. The strong winds are predicted to last into Thursday morning. However, some forecasts suggest that winds over 35 km/hr could last throughout the day Thursday as well before dropping off in the evening. There could also be periods during the day on Thursday when winds are more from the west rather than the southwest. Wave forecasts for Lake Erie are generally calling for waves of around 2 m in height overnight tonight.

Given the forecasts calling for sustained wind speeds between 30 and 45 km/hr, from a south or southwest direction, flooding is expected along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent, from this evening into tomorrow morning. Based on some forecasts, there is the possibility flooding could last throughout the day Thursday as well. There would also be some risk of flooding in other south-facing shoreline communities along Lake Erie.

Due to high lake levels, there is also 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.

Currently, winds are not predicted to be from a direction that would cause issues for the Lake St. Clair shoreline in the LTVCA jurisdiction.

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 16, 2020.

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