The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority have downgraded a flood warning to a flood watch.
LTVCA officials say a Strong Wind Warning has been issued for western Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair and there is a risk of erosion and shoreline damage along the Lake Erie shoreline this afternoon through the overnight period and along the Lake St. Clair shoreline Wednesday morning.
There is a strong risk of flooding and shoreline damage again for Erie Shore Drive this afternoon through the overnight period and there is a potential for flooding and shoreline damage in Lighthouse Cove tomorrow morning.
“A Strong Wind Warning has been issued by Environment Canada due to strong winds in the forecast for both Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair starting this afternoon and lasting through Wednesday morning,” LTVCA officials stated.
“The timing of the highest winds varies significantly by forecast because they are associated with a potential thunderstorm system but all are in agreement that at some point this afternoon or this evening, strong sustained winds from the southwest will climb above 30 km/hr. At their peak, these southwest winds could exceed 40 km/hr with gusts of over 60 km/hr. As the system passes through, winds will shift to the northwest for Wednesday morning. Forecasts suggest these strong northwest winds could approach 30 km/hr with gust over 40 km/hr. Waves of 1 m are forecasted on Lake Erie during this period and 0.5 m on Lake St. Clair.”
LTVCA officials say throughout this period, strong winds will be driving waves onto our Great Lakes shorelines in Chatham-Kent, Elgin County or Lakeshore.
“There is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause erosion, including along the high bluff areas,” LTVCA officials say.
“Low lying areas and communities are also at risk of flooding. As the winds shift around over the next couple of days, different shoreline areas will be impacted to a greater or lesser extent.”
This afternoon through the overnight period, while winds are out of the south or southwest, there is a strong risk of flooding and shoreline damage in the Erie Shore Drive area of Chatham-Kent, LTVCA officials say.
“The wind forecasts are not as certain as they were for last week’s flooding along Erie Shore Drive and the forecasted waves are not as high,” LTVCA officials say.
“This seems to be due to a thunderstorm system predicted to pass through the region. This means conditions could change rapidly. A large number of properties along Erie Shore Drive were impacted last week. This makes the Erie Shore Drive particularly vulnerable to further flood damages as there hasn’t been time to make repairs. Residents and emergency responders should be prepared. For information regarding the provision of municipal services, road closures and potential evacuations, please contact the municipality of Chatham-Kent at 519-360-1998.”
As winds shift to the northwest on Wednesday morning, the Lighthouse Cove area in Lakeshore and the western shoreline of Lake St. Clair in Chatham-Kent, could be impacted by flooding and erosion.
“The forecasted winds and waves are not quite as high as what has generated flooding in the community in the recent past, but they are close,” LTVCA officials say.
“Residents and responders should pay attention to local forecast in case conditions change. People should take extra caution and avoid the shoreline and any waterways with elevated water levels. The waves on the lakes can be strong, and the shoreline and the banks of waterways can be 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.
This flood watch will be in effect until September 5, 2019.
