The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority has issued another flood watch for the Lake Erie shoreline.
“Strong winds out of the south and southwest are currently forecasted for Sunday afternoon,” LTVCA officials said in a media release.
“Forecasts suggest that the winds will pick up and could exceed 35 km/hour early Sunday afternoon and continue to be high until the evening. Sustained winds are currently forecasted to peak at 46 km/hour with gusts up to 70 km/hour. Wave forecasts are generally calling for waves on Lake Erie to build to two metres in height by Sunday evening.”
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, LTVCA officials stated.
“Flooding could also occur in low lying, south facing shoreline areas such as along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent, LTVCA officials stated.
“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, officials say.
“The waves can be strong and the shoreline slippery,” LTVCA officials stated.
“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.”
Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.
This flood watch will be in effect until January 6, 2020.
