Highlights:

o   Strong southeast and south winds this evening and overnight
o   Potential for shoreline erosion and damage to shoreline protection works along the Lake Erie shoreline
o   Flood prone areas such as Erie Shore Drive could see flooding from wave spray
o   Creek outlets in areas such as Rose Beach Line could get blocked by sand leading to flooding
o   Even stronger winds predicted for Tuesday and Wednesday

Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast has issued a Strong Wind Warning for Western Lake Erie.  Forecasts are calling for strong winds from the southeast and south this evening and overnight, with sustained wind speeds over 35 km/hr .  During the early overnight period, winds could reach 45 km/hr with gust up to 70 km/hr.  Waves can be expected to reach 1.5 m in height.  Long range forecasts suggest are calling for even stronger winds from the south and southwest Tuesday and Wednesday with the potential for gale warnings.

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.  In flood prone areas such as Erie Shore Drive, and some specific areas around Wheatley, there is a risk of flooding caused by waves crashing against the shoreline protection works and spraying water up onto the land.  Given the southeast wind direction, there is also a risk for the Rose Beach Line area in Chatham-Kent as recently strong winds from that direction have caused erosion in the area and caused sand to block the outlets of creeks and municipal drainage leading to backup flooding.  This could also occur along other areas of the shoreline.  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 Homewood ([email protected]) or Jason Wintermute ([email protected]) regarding this message.   519-354-7310 during normal business hours.

This message will be in effect until November 8th, 2018.