The Lower Thames Conservation Authority has issued a flood watch for the Lake Erie shoreline.
LTVCA officials say the strong winds observed over the last few days are expected to pick up again this afternoon and to last throughout the day Thursday.
There is a risk of shoreline damage, erosion and/or flooding along the Lake Erie shoreline, including Erie Shore Drive and the high bluff areas, LTVCA officials say.
“Down on Lake Erie, winds are currently are out of the west-southwest at around 15 km/hr,” LTVCA officials said in a press release.
“Forecasts suggest that winds will pick up again and could exceed 35 km/hr sometime this afternoon. Forecasts suggest that winds would then stay between 30 and 40 km/hr through the overnight period and all day Thursday. Forecasts also suggest that the winds will shift to a more southwest or south-southwest direction. Wave forecasts are generally calling for waves on Lake Erie between 1 and 2 m in height during this period.”
LTVCA officials say there is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause erosion, all along the Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County, including along the high bluff areas.
“Flooding could also occur in low lying, south facing shoreline areas such as along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent,” LTVCA officials say.
“While the west to southwest wind direction tends to be offshore or along-shore on Lake Erie and rarely produces significant flooding, forecasts suggest there could be periods of more southerly wind directions during this period which do tend to produce worse flooding. The prolonged period of high winds could also have a greater impact than expected. Residents should pay attention to local conditions and be prepared.”
People should take extra caution and avoid the shoreline should conditions get rough, LTVCA officials say.
“The waves can be strong and the shoreline slippery,” LTVCA officials say.
“There could also be hazardous debris within the waves and water which could be thrown onto the shore. Standing water can also present unseen hazards. Children and animals should be kept away from the water.”
This flood watch will be in effect until January 3, 2020.
