The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority issued a flood watch across the region on Friday afternoon, July 10, 2020.
“Environment Canada has issued a strong wind warning for both Southern Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair,” SCRCA officials stated.
“Beginning this afternoon, southerly winds over Lake St. Clair gusting around 30 km/h are forecasted to continue into the evening, becoming westerly and increasing to 40 km/h overnight into early Saturday.”
SCRCA officials added: “Gusts are anticipated to increase upwards of 55 km/h Saturday morning, continuing into the evening before subsiding late Saturday night.”
Winds from a southerly or westerly direction have the ability to create a backwater effect, elevating water levels in the Wallaceburg area, Conservation Authority officials say.
“Residents along the Lake St. Clair shoreline may experience increased wave action with a potential for erosion, and quickly rising and falling water levels due to the wind,” SCRCA officials say.
“Minor flooding is possible in natural floodplain areas.”
Lake Huron is forecasted to experience northerly gusts upwards of 40 km/h in the early hours of Saturday, increasing to 55 km/h Saturday morning and continuing into the evening before subsiding late Saturday night, officials say.
Residents in this area may experience wind-driven wave action and possible erosion, particularly the Old Lakeshore Road area of Brights Grove, officials added.
“This event is also forecasted to bring a risk of thunderstorms and 10–15 mm of rain across the region today, however localized precipitation amounts may vary,” SCRCA officials say.
“High amounts of rainfall in a short period of time can lead to increased runoff and flash flooding, particularly in urban areas.”
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 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 watch will remain in effect until Sunday, July 12, 2020, unless otherwise updated.
