Highlights:

• Strong Wind Warning in effect for western Lake Erie
• South or southwest winds between moderate and strong predicted from this evening into tomorrow evening
• Risk of shoreline damage and erosion all along the Lake Erie shoreline, including the high bluffs.
• Some flooding is expected along Erie Shore Drive.

Message:

There is a Strong Wind Warning in effect for western Lake Erie. Currently, the region is seeing westerly winds ranging from light to moderate in speed. Down on the Lake Erie shoreline, forecasts predict that winds will switch to the southwest or south this afternoon and pick up in speed this evening. Forecasts suggest sustained wind speeds could exceed 30 km/hr some time this evening. Winds are then predicted to range from 30 km/hr to 45 km/hr, with the possibility of gusts over 60 km/hr, though into tomorrow evening. Later tomorrow evening, winds are then predicted to drop in speed and switch to the northwest and eventually the north, and winds are predicted to be light or gentle on Monday. Wave forecasts for Lake Erie are generally calling for waves between 1 and 2 m in height during this period.

Given the forecasts calling for sustained wind speeds between 30 and 45 km/hr, from a south or southwest direction, some flooding is expected along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent, during the time period ranging from this evening into tomorrow evening. 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.

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