Highlights:

• Strong west and southwest winds overnight
• Potential for shoreline impacts, flooding and freezing spray along Erie Shore Drive

Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast has issued a Strong Wind Warning for Western Lake Erie. Weather forecasts are calling for winds exceeding 35 km/hr from the west or southwest overnight tonight. Peak wind speeds could reach 45 km/hr with gusts of up to 70 km/hr. Temperatures are expected to be around the freezing point overnight. Waves on Lake Erie are forecasted to reach 2 m in height.

While winds are out of the southwest, they 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, cause shoreline erosion, and create flooding due to wave crashing against shoreline protection works, particularly along Erie Shore Drive. In addition, as temperatures are near freezing, there is a risk that the wave spray will freeze covering shoreline areas with ice and creating hazardous conditions. 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, 519-354-7310 x227) regarding this message.

This message will be in effect until November 22, 2018.