Highlights:

• Periods of strong south or southwest winds forecast for this evening into Saturday afternoon.
• 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 moderate to strong and generally from the southeast. Weather forecasts are calling for periods of strong winds this evening into Saturday afternoon. For Lake Erie shoreline areas, various forecasts suggest that sustained wind speeds could peak between 40 and 55 km/hr at times from late Friday evening into Saturday afternoon. The timing of peak winds is uncertain and there may be periods of higher winds with calmer periods between. These winds would also be associated with strong gusts. Wind direction will change from its current southeasterly direction to a more southerly or southwesterly direction this afternoon and remain so into Saturday morning. Saturday afternoon winds are predicted to shift westerly, eventually northwesterly, and then to drop off overnight. Wave forecasts for Lake Erie suggest wave heights could reach up to 1.5 m in nearshore areas and up to 3 m on the open lake. Temperatures are predicted to stay above freezing throughout this event.

Based on these weather forecasts, there is some risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent this evening into Saturday afternoon. Although there hadn’t been any significant flooding along Erie Shore Drive over the last year, water levels have been on the rise since the beginning of January and are now back up to levels seen last year at this time. Recent changes to the near-shore and shoreline areas may have also impacted the risk of flooding in the area, as seen by recent flooding along the road. Residents should monitor local conditions and be prepared.

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 2nd.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])