SCRCA issues flood outlook, LTVCA issues flood watch

Both the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) and the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) have issued alerts ahead of a storm expected on Wednesday, June 10.

The SCRCA issued a flood outlook as there is a risk of a thunderstorm, upwards of 25 mm of rain, strong winds and possible storm surge and flooding.

“A cold front moving into Ontario is forecasted to created conditions favourable for thunderstorms in the region, bringing an estimated 15 – 25 mm of rain starting late tonight through tomorrow,” SCRCA officials said on Tuesday afternoon.

“High amounts of rainfall in a short period of time can lead to increased runoff and flash flooding, particularly in urban areas.”

SCRCA officials added: “This system is anticipated to bring strong south/southwesterly winds over Lake St. Clair and Lake Huron starting early Wednesday morning before switching to westerly Thursday morning. Winds are anticipated to increase over the course of Wednesday, with gusts upwards of 55 km/h over Lakes St. Clair and Huron. Winds are anticipated to build overnight into early Thursday, gusting upwards of 65 km/h before subsiding Thursday evening.”

Waves on Lake St. Clair are anticipated to build to one metre, with Lake Huron expecting up to one and one half metre by early Wednesday morning, SCRCA official say.

“Residents along these shorelines may experience wind-driven high water levels and wave action, with a potential for erosion,” SCRCA officials say.

“Winds from a southerly or westerly direction may cause a backwater effect in the Wallaceburg area, slowing the flow of water out of the Sydenham River and contributing to elevated water levels.”

River banks and shorelines are expected to be slippery, with possible minor erosion.

Residents are reminded to avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to slippery banks and cold, swift moving water.

Children and pets should be kept away from the water, SCRCA officials added.

The Conservation Authority continues to monitor watershed conditions and will issue advisories to municipalities and media should flood issues arise.

This flood outlook will remain in effect until Thursday, June 11, 2020, unless otherwise updated.

The LTVCA have issued a flood watch for the Lake Erie shoreline and specifically Erie Shore Drive.

“A Strong Wind Warning has been issued by Environment Canada for western Lake Erie due to the potential for strong south and southwest winds tomorrow and Thursday,” LTVCA officials say.

“Winds are currently light in the region. Forecasts predict that winds will begin to pick up this evening. Overnight, winds will become more southerly and could exceed 25 km/hr. Throughout the day tomorrow and Thursday, south or southwest winds are predicted to remain above 25 km/hr. Some forecasts suggest wind speeds could approach 40 km/hr at times, with the potential for periods of even stronger winds due to thunderstorms.

LTVCA officials added: “Thursday evening, winds are expected to drop and become more westerly. Wave forecasts for Lake Erie are calling for waves of at least 1 m in height by tomorrow morning, possibly up to 1.5 m, with the potential for even higher waves later on Wednesday into Thursday. In addition to the winds, forecasts are calling for thunderstorm activity with the potential for 25 mm or more of rain this evening through Thursday.”

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, LTVCA officials say.

“Given the predicted southerly wind direction with speeds between 25 and 40 km/hr, flooding is expected along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent,” LTVCA officials say.

“Should wind speeds approach or exceed 40 km/hr, significant flooding would be expected along Erie Shore Drive. Residents and workers in shoreline areas should pay attention to local conditions and be prepared.”

LTVCA officials added: “Heavy rains could also cause flooding in low lying shoreline areas. Due to the high lake levels, the groundwater table is high and storm water sewer systems and local watercourses are full with lake water. As a result, rainwater is not draining properly from these areas. Any water from upstream making its way downstream on these watercourses into these shoreline areas could cause additional flooding.”

LTVCA officials say they will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.

This flood watch will be in effect until June 12, 2020.

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