Highlights:
• Strong Wind Warning in effect for western Lake Erie
• Southwesterly winds over 35 km/hr, possibly over 45 km/hr, predicted for tomorrow.
• Risk of shoreline damage and erosion all along the Lake Erie shoreline, including the high bluffs
• Some flooding likely along Erie Shore Drive.
Message:
There is a Strong Wind Warning in effect for western Lake Erie. Currently, winds across the region are moderate from the west or southwest. Forecasts predict that winds will pick up this evening and could reach 35 km/hr by morning. Some forecasts are suggesting that winds could exceed 45 km/hr during the day tomorrow. There is the potential that these winds will not drop back under 35 km//hr until Thursday morning. During this entire period, winds are expected to be from the southwest, with the possibility of more westerly winds in the evening tomorrow. Wave forecasts for Lake Erie are generally calling for waves of around 1 m during this period, peaking in the 1.5 to 2m height range tomorrow.
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 over 35 km/hr, possibly over 45 km/hr, from a generally southwest direction, some flooding should be expected along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent. There would also be a risk of flooding in other south-facing shoreline communities along Lake Erie.
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 2, 2020.
Message Contact: Jason Wintermute (jason.wintermute@ltvca.ca)