The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority have issued a flood watch for the Lake Erie shoreline.
LTVCA officials say weather forecasts were calling for moderate winds from the southwest overnight on Thursday and Friday down on Lake Erie.
“Some forecasts suggest that winds could climb into the 25 to 30 km/hr range overnight (on Thursday) and remain in that range throughout the day (in Friday). Forecasts suggest that in the afternoon or early evening (on Friday), winds will shift to the northwest. Waves of around 1 m could be expected on Lake Erie during this period.”
LTVCA officials say due to high lake levels, 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.
“Given the predicted southwest wind direction and the potential for wind speeds above the 25 km/hr threshold, flooding is possible along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent overnight (on Thursday and on Friday). Once winds shift to the northwest later in the day (on Friday), they will no longer present a risk for Erie Shore Drive, and the winds are not predicted to be strong enough to cause issues on Lake St. Clair in the LTVCA.”
Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary, LTVCA officials say.
This flood watch will be in effect until May 30, 2020.
