Members of Chatham-Kent EMS and volunteer firefighters were canvassing residences along Erie shore Drive and Dyke Road in South Kent on Tuesday afternoon as a precaution in case shoreline flooding in the area led to an evacuation.
Municipal officials say residents were being asked to provide emergency contact information, whether they have a place to stay in case of an evacuation and whether they need assistance if an evacuation takes place.
They were also being advised to ensure they have medication if needed for a medical condition.
There are approximately 100 dwellings along the road although a number of them are seasonal in nature, municipal officials said.
Erie Shore Drive between Erieau Road and Bisnett Line was closed on Tuesday due to flooding caused by strong southwest winds along the shoreline.
Chatham-Kent CAO Don Shropshire said the move was precautionary in nature.
“We aren’t anticipating an evacuation however we are aware that prolonged flooding could jeopardize the integrity of the roadway and potentially make that a necessity,” Shropshire said in a press release.
Environment Canada was forecasting sustained wind on Tuesday night from the southwest at 40 km/h gusting to 70 km/h.
Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority issued a flood watch Monday morning.
“Southerly winds will be driving waves onto our Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County,” LTVCA officials stated.
“There is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause shoreline erosion. Vulnerable areas will likely see localized flooding due to waves crashing against shoreline protection works spraying water up onto the land. The predicted wind speeds and wave heights are similar to, or exceed, those that caused flooding earlier this year along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent. However, this wind event is expected to last substantially longer than any we have experienced so far this year. Residents along the Lake Erie shoreline should be prepared.”
– Photo credit: LTVCA
