Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast has issued a Strong Wind Warning for Western Lake Erie. Weather forecasts are calling for sustained winds from the south to southwest direction for most of the weekend. Wind speeds tomorrow are expected to exceed 30 km/hr for most of the day and could reach 45 km/hr. Wind gusts could reach 65 km/hr. Currently, the peak winds are expected early in the afternoon Saturday. The Marine Forecast is predicting waves on Lake Erie to reach 1.5 m in height Saturday morning.

The strong winds will be driving waves onto our Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County. There is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause shoreline erosion. Vulnerable areas could see localized flooding due to waves crashing against shoreline protection works and spraying water up onto the land. Over the last few years, Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent has experienced flooding when sustained wind speeds from a southerly direction (southeast through southwest) reach around 35 km/hr. 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 ([email protected]) or Jason Homewood ([email protected]) regarding this message.
This message will be in effect until August 26th, 2018