Highlights:

• Strong west winds this evening through tomorrow afternoon, possibly reaching gale force overnight
• Should the winds switch to more southerly there could be impacts and flooding along Erie Shore Drive

Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast has issued a Gale Warning for Western Lake Erie. Weather forecasts are calling for winds exceeding 35 km/hr from the west this evening through tomorrow afternoon. Forecasts are calling for winds to peak overnight or early tomorrow morning and could reach 60 km/hr with gusts up to 90 km/hr. Waves on Lake Erie are forecasted to reach 2 to 3 m in height starting this evening.

These winds out of the west will generally be blowing offshore and therefore have less of an effect on the shoreline than similar events with winds out of the south. However, the winds are quite strong and should they switch to a more southwesterly direction it could lead to more direct wave action along the shoreline particularly along the Erie Shore Drive stretch. If a change in wind direction occurs, there is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works, cause shoreline erosion, and create flooding due to wave crashing against shoreline protection works, particularly along Erie Shore Drive. Residents along the Lake Erie shoreline should pay attention to weather forecasts and prepare accordingly.

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 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 (Jason.Wintermute@ltvca.ca) regarding this message.

This message will be in effect until November 11, 2018.