The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) has issued a water safety bulletin. Meanwhile, the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) has issued a flood watch.
SCRCA officials say a low pressure system currently making its way through Ontario is anticipated to bring approximately 15 mm of rain and a risk of thunderstorms this evening, continuing overnight into tomorrow.
“An additional 2-4mm of rain is forecasted for tomorrow,” SCRCA officials said.
“Recent dry conditions may afford some rainfall capacity in the soil, however high amounts of rainfall in a short period of time can lead to increased runoff and flash flooding, particularly in urban areas.”
Given ongoing high water levels on the Great Lakes and Lake St. Clair, previously considered minimal amounts of rain have the ability to elevate water levels into natural floodplain areas, parks and farm fields, SCRCA officials say.
“Soils may become saturated and could contribute to ponding, increased runoff into watercourses, and possible increased erosion and seepage issues,” officials say.
“Winds from a southwesterly direction of around 40km/h, gusting upwards of 85km/h, are anticipated Thursday evening. Winds from this direction have the potential to slow the flow of water out of the Sydenham River, causing backflow and elevated levels in Wallaceburg. Residents along the Lake St. Clair shoreline may also experience wind-driven high water levels and wave action, with a potential for erosion.”
SCRCA officials added: “Winds are then forecasted to switch to a northwesterly direction Friday afternoon, with winds of 35km/h gusting up to 60km/h before subsiding Saturday morning. The Government of Canada has issued a Gale Warning for southern Lake Huron. The Lake Huron shoreline can anticipate sustained wind action and possible erosion, particularly the Old Lakeshore Road area of Brights Grove. Waves are anticipated to build to 2-3m Friday afternoon before residing to one and a half meters later that evening.”
River banks are expected to be slippery, with possible erosion, officials say.
“Residents are reminded to avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to slippery banks and cold, swift moving water, as well as shorelines during high-wind and wave action events,” SCRCA officials stated.
Children and pets should be kept away from the water. The Conservation Authority continues to monitor watershed conditions and will issue advisories to municipalities and media should flood issues arise. Municipal emergency response staff and road superintendents should monitor local conditions closely.
This message will remain in effect until Saturday, March 21, 2020 unless otherwise updated, SCRCA officials say.
LTVCA officials say there is a strong risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive, plus a risk of shoreline damage and erosion all along the shoreline.
LTVCA officials added on Lake St. Clair, Friday afternoon and evening, there is a risk of flooding in Lighthouse Cove and a risk of shoreline damage and erosion all along the shoreline.
“There are strong winds in the forecasts possibly beginning this evening and lasting into Saturday morning,” LTVCA officials stated.
“This evening, winds are predicted to switch through the south ending up as southwesterly overnight. Depending on the forecasts one looks at, peak wind speeds could be as high as 45 km/hr this evening or overnight with gusts over 65 km/hr. Friday afternoon winds are predicted to switch to the northwest and during the overnight to the north. Depending on the forecasts one looks at, peak wind speeds Friday evening could be up to 40 km/hr with gusts up to 50 km/hr. Waves could be around 1.5 m in height on Lake Erie and 1 m on Lake St. Clair during this event. In addition, there is rain in the forecasts with the potential for total accumulations of up to 20 mm during this event.”
While winds are out of the south and southwest (this evening through Friday morning) there is a strong 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 say.
“With the wind speeds in the forecast, flooding should be expected in low lying shoreline areas such as along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent,” LTVCA officials stated.
“Residents and workers along the shoreline should pay attention to local conditions and be prepared. When winds switch to the northwest or north (Friday afternoon and evening) there is some risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause erosion, all along the Lake St. Clair shoreline around Lighthouse Cove and in Chatham-Kent on the east side of the lake. There could also be flooding in Lighthouse Cove depending on how high the wind speeds get. Residents should pay attention to local conditions and be prepared.”
LTVCA officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.
This flood watch will be in effect until March 22, 2020.
