Highlights:

  Strong southeast to south winds Thursday throughout the day, evening and overnight.

  Another period of strong westerly winds Friday evening and overnight.

  Potential for shoreline damage and flooding from wave spray.

Weather forecasts are calling for strong wind from the southeast starting Thursday morning and lasting throughout the day. Winds are expected to switch to a more southerly direction late in the evening. During this period, sustained wind speeds exceeding 35 km/hr with gusts over 50 km/hr could occur. A weather system is expected to pass through Thursday evening and overnight bringing 10-15 mm of rain and stronger winds, potentially exceeding 40 km/hr with gusts of up to 65 km/hr. Strong winds are expected again on Friday, switching to a more westerly direction throughout the day, with wind expected to exceed 35 km/hr with gusts over 50 km/hr again in the evening. Waves on Lake Erie are forecasted to reach 1.5 m in height at times during this period.

Throughout most of Thursday and Friday, winds will be driving waves onshore along the entire Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County. There is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works, cause shoreline erosion, and create flooding due to wave crashing against shoreline protection works, particularly along Erie Shore Drive. Residents along the Lake Erie shoreline should pay attention to local weather conditions and prepare accordingly.

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 shoreline. Standing water can also present unseen hazards. Children and pets should be kept away from the water. Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected]) regarding this message.

This message will be in effect until December 29, 2018.