Highlights:

• Unpredicted changes in wind direction and high waves could cause flooding and impact the shoreline along Erie Shore Drive later this afternoon and early evening.
• Southwest winds and waves tomorrow afternoon could cause flooding along Erie Shore Drive and cause shoreline damage all along Lake Erie in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County

Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast has issued a Strong Wind Warning for Western Lake Erie. Currently there are sustained winds out of the west at around 35 km/hr. Weather forecasts predict winds to rise and peak later this afternoon at around 40 km/hr, or possibly higher, before switching to a northwest direction later this evening. The Marine Forecast is predicting waves on Lake Erie could reach 2 to 3 m by the early evening. After an overnight break, winds are expected to pick up again and by tomorrow afternoon sustained wind from the southwest are expected to reach around 45 km/hr before switching to the west in the evening and dropping overnight. The Marine Forecast is predicting waves on Lake Erie could reach 2 m tomorrow afternoon.

Strong winds from the southwest will be driving waves onto our Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County tomorrow. 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. In addition, Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent may see impacts when predicted winds are out of the west as well if the winds are slightly from the south and the waves get high enough. Over the last few years, flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent seems to start when sustained wind speeds from a southerly direction (southeast through southwest) reach around 35 km/hour. 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 October 17, 2018.