Highlights:

• Strong southwest winds in the forecast for this evening through tomorrow.
• Risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent during this period.
• Risk of shoreline damage and erosion all along the Lake Erie shoreline, including the high bluffs.

Message:

Winds across the region are currently light and generally from the south or southeast. Winds are predicted to rise throughout the day and shift to the southwest by late this afternoon or this evening. For Lake Erie shoreline areas, various forecasts suggest that sustained wind speeds could reach into the 35 to 45 km/h range this evening. While some forecasts suggest a lessening of winds overnight, others are calling for winds to remain strong and forecasts for Monday during the day and evening suggest sustained wind speeds of 35 to 45 km/h. Wind gusts of 50 to 60 km/h are predicted as well, with the possibility of stronger gusts at times. Monday evening winds are predicted to switch more westerly and to drop off overnight. Wave forecasts for Lake Erie suggest wave heights of 1 to 1.5 m in shoreline areas.

Based on these weather forecasts, there is some risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent from this evening through Monday. Although recent flooding along the road has been isolated during recent events, lake levels have now risen back up above where they were at this time year in 2021 and 2022. Residents should monitor local conditions and be prepared.

Due to high lake levels and wave conditions, there is also a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause erosion all along the Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County, including along the high bluff areas.

Winds are not predicted to cause issues on the Lake St. Clair shoreline in the LTVCA jurisdiction.

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 shore. Standing water can also present unseen hazards. Children and animals should be kept away from the water.

Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.

This message will be in effect until the morning of April 18th.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])