The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority says there is a risk of flooding in Erieau, Shrewsbury, and Wheatley on Wednesday morning, as Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast has issued a Strong Wind Warning for Lake Erie.
Forecasts are currently calling for the wind to shift from south to the east overnight with wind speeds around 35 km/hour for a period of approximately 10 hours ending early Wednesday afternoon.
Wind gusts are currently expected to reach up to 55 km/hour with waves building to one meter in height.
The risks associated with this event are related to wave action on west facing shorelines.
Strong winds will be driving waves onto and along most of the Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County.
There is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause shoreline erosion.
Erieau, Shrewsbury, Wheatley, and other low-lying shorelines could see flooding caused from spray when waves crash against and over shoreline protection works.
The high bluff areas of the shoreline will be subject to wave action for the entire period. Residents along the Lake Erie shoreline should pay attention to local conditions 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.
