Flood Watch – Lake Erie Shoreline (including Erie Shore Drive) – January 04, 2019 – 11:30 AM – Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority

Highlights:

• Strong winds forecasted for Sunday are expected to cause some flooding with potential damage to shoreline protection on Erie Shore Drive as well as result in further erosion of the bluffs along Lake Erie.
• Sustained southwesterly winds are currently expected to peak at 46 km/hour with gusts up to 70 km/hour.

Message:

Strong winds out of the south and southwest are currently forecasted for Sunday afternoon. Forecasts suggest that the winds will pick up and could exceed 35 km/hour early Sunday afternoon and continue to be high until the evening. Sustained winds are currently forecasted to peak at 46 km/hour with gusts up to 70 km/hour. Wave forecasts are generally calling for waves on Lake Erie to build to two metres in height by Sunday evening.

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. Flooding could also occur in low lying, south facing shoreline areas such as along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent. While the west to southwest wind direction tends to be offshore or along-shore on Lake Erie and rarely produces significant flooding, forecasts suggest there could be periods of more southerly wind directions during this period which do tend to produce worse flooding. The prolonged period of high winds could also have a greater impact than expected. Residents should pay attention to local conditions and be prepared.

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 06 January 2020.

Message Contact: Jason Homewood (519-354-7310 x 225 or jason.homewood@ltvca.ca)