Highlights:
• Strong Wind Warnings have been issued for western Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair.
• Risk of shoreline damage, erosion and flooding late this evening into tomorrow morning.
• Areas at risk include Erieau, Erie Shore Drive, and Rose Beach Line but other areas are also at risk including the high
bluff areas.

A Strong Wind Warning has been issued by Environment Canada due to strong winds in the forecast for Lake Erie.  Winds are currently from the northeast and are expected to rise and switch to a more easterly direction overnight and eventually to the southeast tomorrow morning. Winds could remain above 30 km/hr from this evening through into tomorrow morning. Winds are expected to peak sometime during the overnight period with sustained speeds between 30 and 35 km/hr with potential of gusts of up to 55 km/hr. Waves on the Lake Erie could reach 1.5 m in height at times.

Throughout this period, strong east winds will be driving waves onto the Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County. The areas potentially affected depend greatly on how high the winds speeds reach and the direction they are blowing at the time. The Rose Beach Line area and the high bluff areas all along Lake Erie will be exposed to the strong winds and waves for the entire duration of this event. These areas would be at risk of increased erosion and shoreline damage as well as potential flooding in low lying areas. Should the stronger winds occur when the wind is more out of the northeast, there could be flooding on the Rondeau Bay side of Erieau. Should the stronger winds occur when the winds are out of the southeast, there could be flooding and shoreline damage impacts along Erie Shore Drive.

People should take extra caution and avoid the shoreline should conditions get rough. The waves on the lakes can be strong, and the shoreline and the shoreline slippery. There could also be hazardous debris within the waves and water which could be thrown onto the shoreline. 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 September 14, 2019.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected], 519-354-7310)