Highlights:

• Strong Wind Warning in effect for western Lake Erie
• Southerly winds between 25 km/hr and 35 km/hr late this evening into tomorrow morning
• Risk of shoreline damage and erosion all along the Lake Erie shoreline, including the high bluffs
• Risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive.
• Risk of thunderstorms this evening through tomorrow morning.

Message:

There is a Strong Wind Warning in effect for western Lake Erie. Currently, winds across the region are gentle from the east or southeast. Forecasts predict that winds will switch to the south and pick up in speed this evening. Overnight winds are predicted to switch to the southwest, and by tomorrow afternoon to the west. From late this evening throughout the day tomorrow, forecasts suggest winds will be in the 25 to 35 km/hr range. Wave forecasts for Lake Erie are calling for waves of around 1 m in height during this period. Forecasts also suggest there is a risk of thunderstorms this evening though tomorrow morning that could bring periods of stronger winds and waves.

Due to high lake levels, 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. Given the forecasts for wind speeds in the 25 km/hr to 35 km/hr range from a generally southerly direction, there is a risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent. There would also be some risk of flooding in other south-facing shoreline communities along Lake Erie.

Currently, forecasts are suggesting that wind speeds will drop before switching to a direction that could cause issues along the Lake St. Clair shoreline in the LTVCA jurisdiction.

There is also a risk of showers and thunderstorms this evening through tomorrow morning. Although the total rainfall amounts currently predicted are not significant, thunderstorms can produce intense and more significant rain over isolated areas. This could cause flooding in low lying or poorly drained areas anywhere is the watershed. Due to the high lake levels on both Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie, the groundwater table is high and storm water sewer systems and local watercourses are full with lake water in shoreline areas. As a result, rainwater is not draining properly from these areas, which makes them more vulnerable to flooding. Thunderstorms can also bring more intense winds and cause increased wave action leading to more shoreline flooding.

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 September 14, 2020.

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