Highlights:

• Record high water levels have been reached on Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair
• Chance of erosion and minor flooding overnight tonight and throughout the day tomorrow

Message:

Water levels on Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair have broken records. Average daily water levels on St. Clair and Erie were all above their record high monthly mean levels for May. Over the last month, St. Clair has risen about 12 cm and it is about 18 cm higher than this time last year. Over the last month, Erie has risen about 20 cm and it is also about 18 cm higher than this time last year.

With such high water levels, shoreline areas are highly vulnerable to shoreline damage, flooding and erosion. Only moderately high winds can lead to water level changes and waves that cause shoreline issues. Winds out of the northwest above 40 km/hr could be expected to cause issues in the area of Lighthouse Cove on Lake St. Clair. Winds out of the south (southeast to southwest) above 30 km/hr start to cause problems for south facing shorelines on Lake Erie such as Erie Shore Drive. Winds out of the east and northeast above 35 km/hr start to cause problems around Rondeau Bay communities such as Erieau and Shrewsbury. Wind conditions over the lakes can change quickly and with little warning. With such low wind thresholds, unexpected localized flooding may occur. Shoreline residents need to pay attention to local conditions and prepare accordingly.

Weather forecasts for overnight tonight and throughout the day tomorrow are calling for sustained winds from the south at just under 30 km/hr. Overnight they will begin in the east or southeast and transition through the south to a west or southwest direction tomorrow morning. Forecasts are somewhat inconsistent with some calling for strong peak around noon while others are calling for strong winds the entire period. Wave could reach 1m in height. Shoreline residents should pay attention to local conditions for indications that winds are becoming stronger than forecasted and prepare accordingly.

Should conditions get rough, people should take extra caution and avoid the shoreline. 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 animals should be kept away from the water. Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.