Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast has issued a Strong Wind Warning for western Lake Erie due to predicted periods of high winds over the next few days.  Weather forecasts are calling for sustained winds greater than 35 km/hr from the southwest tomorrow afternoon and evening.  Sustained winds are expected to peak at around 45 km/hr in the early evening with gust of around 65 km/hr.  Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast is predicting wave heights to build to 1.5 m tomorrow evening.

During this period of strong winds and waves, there is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause shoreline erosion along the Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County.  Vulnerable areas will likely see localized flooding due to waves crashing against shoreline protection works spraying water up onto the land.  The predicted wind speeds and wave heights are similar to those that caused flooding earlier this year along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent.  Residents along the Lake Erie shoreline should be prepared.

People should take extra caution and avoid the shoreline.  The waves can be strong and the shoreline slippery.  There could also be hazardous debris within the waves and water.  Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards.  Children, pets and livestock should be kept away from the water.

Long range forecasts are also expecting high winds and waves Tuesday.   Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.

This message will be in effect until November 27th, 2017.

Contact:  Jason Wintermute (jason.wintermute@ltvca.ca) regarding this message.