Highlights:

• Squall Watch in effect from Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast for Western Lake Erie.
• Periods of strong south or southwest winds forecast from late this morning through this evening.
• 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 gentle to moderate and generally from the south. Forecasts are calling for a weather system to move through the region today bringing rain, the possibility of thunderstorms and strong gusty winds. Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast has issued a Squall Watch for Western Lake Erie for this reason. For Lake Erie shoreline areas, various forecasts suggest that sustained wind speeds could climb above 35 km/h by late this morning. Then as these systems move through the region, higher winds with strong gusts will be seen. Forecasts suggest conditions exist that gusts of 90 to 100 km/h could be seen. The timing of such winds is uncertain as they are tied to storm events. After this system moves through the region, winds will drop off and switch more westerly overnight. Wave forecasts for Lake Erie suggest wave heights could reach up to 1.5 m. However, strong winds will allow for a lot of wave spray.

Based on these weather forecasts, there is some risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent today. Although recent flooding along the road has been isolated during recent events, lake levels have now risen back up to where they were at this time last year and nearshore lake conditions are constantly changing. Weather conditions could also add to flooding concerns. 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 April 6th.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])