Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) officials have issued a flood warning for Erieau and Rondeau.
LTVCA officials say flooding is currently occurring in Erieau and was expected to last overnight Wednesday, while other communities around the bay are also being impacted as well.
“As winds shift to the south (this) morning, there is a greater risk of flooding for Erie Shore Drive and other communities with south facing shorelines,” LTVCA officials say.
“The Strong Wind Warning from Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast remains in effect for western Lake Erie. Strong winds from the east have raised static water levels around 10 cm in the Rondeau Bay area. The winds are also producing waves on top of elevated water levels.”
There is currently flooding occurring in the communities backing onto Rondeau Bay, LTVCA officials say.
“The flooding in Erieau already appears worse than that experienced last week,” LTVCA officials say.
“Properties on the bay side are most affected, with water on the properties, around homes and on some of the roads. There are also some properties in Shrewsbury that are affected. Elsewhere around Rondeau Bay, water levels in the ditches and roadside drains are very high and impacting low lying areas.”
Strong winds were expected to continue throughout Wednesday evening and overnight period, and therefore flooding was expected to continue throughout the night.
As winds shift to the south, those communities on Lake Erie or the north end of Rondeau Bay are more likely to be impacted; such as Erie Shore Drive and Rondeau Bay Estates, LTVCA officials added.
“However, the whole Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County will be subject to wave action and there is a risk of damage to shoreline protection works and shoreline erosion.”
People should take extra caution and avoid shoreline.
“The waves can be strong and the shoreline slippery,” LTVCA officials say.
“There could also be hazardous debris within the waves and water that 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.”
This flood warning will be in effect until May 10.
Municipality of Chatham-Kent officials are asking people to call the authorities if they feel threatened by flooding.
“If you live in the affected area and are concerned about an immediate threat to your safety, please call 9-1-1,” Municipal officials said in a press release.
