Highlights:

• Gale Warning and Freezing Spray Warning in effect for Western Lake Erie from Environment Canada
• Strong southwest winds in the forecast for late this evening into Sunday afternoon.
• Risk of minor flooding and freezing wave spray along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent during this period.
• Some risk of shoreline damage and erosion all along the Lake Erie shoreline, including the high bluffs.

Message:

There is currently a Gale Warning and a Freezing Spray Warning in effect from Environment Canada. Forecasts are calling for a period of strong southwest winds beginning late this evening and lasting into the late afternoon on Sunday. Winds are currently gentle to moderate out of the west or northwest but are predicted to shift to the southwest this evening. Forecasts suggest sustained wind speeds could exceed 40 km/h late this evening. Winds are predicted to peak overnight with various forecasts suggesting peak sustained winds speeds could reach up to 50 km/h, with gusts over 65 km/h. Winds are then predicted to stay strong throughout the day Sunday before dropping off and switching more westerly late in the afternoon. Wave forecasts suggest wave heights up to 3 m on the open waters of Lake Erie and waves up to 2 m could be seen in nearshore areas. Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing into Sunday afternoon.

Based on these weather forecasts, there is a risk of minor flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent from late this evening through Sunday afternoon. In addition to concerns about waves overtopping shoreline protections and flooding from wave spray, there is a risk of freezing wave spray. Until temperatures rise back above freezing Sunday afternoon, any standing water or spray coming over the shoreline could freeze across the ground or onto structures. Any water making it to the roadway could lead to slippery conditions on the road. Residents in the area should monitor local conditions and be prepared.

Due to high lake levels and wave conditions, there is also some 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 along 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 icy and 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 February 19th.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])