Highlights:

• Water levels on Lake Erie have been climbing over the last few weeks.
• Wind and water level forecasts for overnight tonight suggest conditions approaching those that caused minor flooding on Rondeau Bay last night.

Message:

Water levels on Lake Erie have been slowly climbing over the last few weeks. Average water levels this week are up about 8 cm from last week’s average. They are also up about 9 cm from where they were this time last year. Moderate to strong winds can push water from one end of the lake to the other, and last night this effect raised water levels around the Erieau gauge about 15 cm.

Weather forecasts for tonight are calling for winds from the east between 30 and 40 km/hr. These winds are predicted to be only slightly less strong than the winds that caused flooding on Rondeau Bay last night. Forecasts suggest that water levels around Erieau will raise again overnight tonight reaching levels only a few cm lower than last night. At these water levels, strong winds and the waves they produce can significantly impact the amount of any flooding that occurs, and wind conditions can change very quickly.

Residents on Rondeau Bay should be prepared and pay attention to local conditions. Minor flooding may occur as a result of forecasted conditions. Other residents with east facing shorelines should also pay attention as strong waves could cause shoreline erosion. 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 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.

Contact: Jason Wintermute (519-354-7310 x227)  (jason.wintermute@ltvca.ca) regarding this message.

This message will be in effect until May 1st, 2019.