Highlights:

• Strong Wind Warning issued for western Lake Erie due to high winds forecasted for Thursday
• Record high water levels on both Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair
• Risk of additional low level flooding in Lighthouse Cove and Rondeau Bay areas on Thursday
• Risk of erosion and damage to shoreline protection works along both Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair.

Message:

Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast has issued a Strong Wind Warning for Lake Erie due to predicted strong winds tomorrow (Thursday) during the day. Although the various forecasts differ slightly, they are generally calling for winds from the north (northeast through northwest) reaching 25 km/hr with gusts up to 40 km/hr. Winds would be stronger over the open water. The most likely times for these wind peaks appear to be tomorrow afternoon and the early overnight period. However, wind forecasts this far out will often change and a few forecasts are calling for stronger winds. These winds could be expected to raise static water levels (i.e. before waves) in the area of Lighthouse Cove and Rondeau Bay areas by 3 to 5 cm. Waves could reach 1 m in height on Lake Erie and 0.5 m on Lake St. Clair. Any waves will add on to the already record high water levels. In addition to the winds, forecasts are calling for 15 to 25 mm of rainfall beginning overnight through tomorrow evening.

Due to the high lake levels and predicted wind and wave action, there is a risk of additional low level flooding on Thursday in the community of Lighthouse Cove and those communities around Rondeau Bay. There is also an increased risk of shoreline erosion and damage to shoreline protection works in these areas. The rainfall predicted for tomorrow would aggravate the flooding situation. The groundwater table is high due to the lake levels and the ground can’t absorb any more water. Local watercourses in these areas are already full of lake water and can’t take any more. Any water from upstream making its way downstream into these areas could cause additional flooding. Other areas of the Great Lakes shoreline, including the high bluff areas, continue to be at risk from shoreline erosion. Residents in these areas should be prepared and pay attention to changing weather forecasts and local conditions.

People should take extra caution and avoid the shoreline should conditions get rough. The winds can be strong and the shoreline slippery. There could also be hazardous debris in the water which could get thrown up onto the shoreline. 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 June 21st, 2019.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])