Highlights:

• Strong Wind Warning remains in effect for Western Lake Erie
• Forecasts calling for strong west or southwest winds lasting through Sunday.
• Flood Warning in effect for Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent.
• Risk of shoreline damage and erosion all along the Lake Erie shoreline, including the high bluffs

Message:

The Flood Watch for the Lake Erie shoreline is being extended through Sunday. The Strong Wind Warning from Environment Canada remains in effect for Western Lake Erie. Some flooding has already been observed along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent.

Forecasts are now predicting that the strong southwest winds currently seen down on the Lake Erie shoreline could last through Sunday. Some forecasts suggest that winds may drop off this evening, or switch more westerly overnight. Other forecasts suggest winds may stay out of the southwest. Forecasts suggest that period of strong wind will re-occur at times from this evening through Sunday. Late Sunday or overnight into Monday, winds are predicted to switch to the northwest. Wave forecasts are currently calling for 1 to 1.5 m waves in nearshore areas, and 2 to 3 m waves offshore.

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. In addition to flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent, there could also be minor flooding and impacts to other low-lying shoreline areas that have seen flooding over the last few years.

Currently, winds are not predicted to be from a direction to 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 November 15, 2021.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])