Highlights:

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

Message:

There is a Strong Wind Warning in effect for western Lake Erie. Currently, winds across the region are from the south; gentle near the shoreline and moderate over the open lakes. Forecasts predict that winds will pick up this evening and exceed 25 km/hr. During the overnight period, forecast suggest winds could be in the 35 km/hr range; perhaps even up to 45 km/hr on the open lake. Wind gusts could range from 40 to 60 km/hr. Wind speeds are then predicted to drop tomorrow morning, falling back beneath 25 km/hr in the afternoon. During this entire period, winds are expected to be from the south or southwest. Wave forecasts for Lake Erie are generally calling for waves of around 1 m in height overnight and tomorrow morning, with the possibility of waves up to 2m in height.

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.

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

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 28, 2020.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])