The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority issued a flood watch for Lakes Huron and St. Clair on Saturday, November 14, 2020. The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority has also issued a flood watch for the Lake Erie shoreline as well.
SCRCA officials say a gale warning has also been issued for Lakes Huron and St. Clair, there is the potential for storm surge and possible flooding and there is the potential for increased wave action and shoreline erosion.
“A low pressure system out of Colorado is anticipated to bring strong winds beginning late this evening and continuing into Monday,” SCRCA officials say.
“Current south-southeast winds are anticipated to turn westerly, with gusts upwards of 100 km/h and maximum sustained winds near 65 km/h at the height of this event. Waves on Lake St. Clair are anticipated to become 2 metres, and 3-5 metres on Lake Huron Sunday afternoon.”
SCRCA officials added: “Winds from a southerly or westerly direction in the Lake St. Clair region have the ability to create a backwater effect, elevating water levels in the Wallaceburg area with a potential for minor flooding.”
Banks and shorelines are anticipated to be slippery, with possible erosion, SCRCA officials say.
“Residents are reminded to avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to slippery banks and cold, swift moving water,” SCRCA officials say.
Children and pets should be kept away from the water.
The SCRCA 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, SCRCA officials added.
This flood watch will remain in effect until Tuesday, November 17, 2020, unless otherwise updated.
LTVCA officials say gale warnings are in effect for Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair.
LTVCA officials say forecasts are calling for peak winds down on Lake Erie tomorrow of 60 to 70 km/hr with gusts of 80 to 100 km/hr.
There is a risk of shoreline damage, erosion and/or flooding all along the Lake Erie shoreline, including the high bluffs.
Flooding is expected along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent, possibly starting this evening and lasting into tomorrow evening, LTVCA officials added.
There is also a risk of flooding and shoreline damage along the Lakes St. Clair shoreline and in Lighthouse Cove, late tomorrow afternoon though the overnight if the winds switch due west.
Total rainfall of 10 to 20 mm predicted for overnight and tomorrow, could add to shoreline issues, LTVCA officials added.
