Highlights:

• Strong Wind Warning remains in effect for Lake Erie.
• Flooding has lessened but many areas still have significant amounts of standing water
• Rainfall forecasted for this afternoon to tomorrow morning could aggravate the problem in flooded areas
• Long range forecasts suggest a risk of similar flooding for Sunday.

Message:

The Strong Wind Warning issued by Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast remains in effect. Wind speeds have dropped somewhat and switched to a more southerly direction which is providing relief to Erieau and other shoreline areas. Winds are expected to stay strong from the south throughout the day into the overnight period. Weather forecasts are calling for a total of 15 to 20 mm of rainfall from this afternoon to tomorrow morning. Long range forecasts are calling for high winds again on Sunday similar to what were experienced yesterday.

There was further flooding overnight in the western basin of Lake Erie and around the Rondeau Bay area. As winds have now diminished, there are only a few areas left in Lower Thames that are actively being flooded. However, few areas have had a chance to dry out and most areas still have a significant amount of standing water. High lake levels are causing drainage issues. The rainfall predicted for this afternoon and overnight could cause further problems for areas that have been experiencing flooding.

Long range forecasts for Sunday are calling for similar wind conditions to what was experienced yesterday and overnight. If the forecasts are accurate, flooding similar to what was just experienced would be expected on Sunday. Residents along the Lake Erie shoreline should pay attention to local conditions and prepare accordingly.

On local ditches, creeks and stream, water levels are expected to rise. But unless larger rainfall amounts appear watercourses wouldn’t be expected to reach bank full conditions.

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 which could be thrown onto the shoreline. Standing water can also present unseen hazards. Children and pets should be kept away from the water.

Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.

Contact: Jason Wintermute (519-354-7310 x227, [email protected]) regarding this message.

This message will be in effect until May 13th, 2019