Strong winds in the region could lead to minor flooding and freezing spray along the Lake Erie shoreline, conservation authority officials say.
Weather forecasts are calling for winds to rise and switch more southerly. Along the shoreline, winds are predicted to peak Friday evening with sustained speeds in the 45 to 55 kilometre-per-hour range, with the possibility of 80 km/h tastes.
Winds are then expected to drop off overnight Saturday and switch back to the southwest or west by the morning.
According to the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority officials, the ice on Lake Erie has mostly melted away and the lake is now open throughout the authority’s jurisdiction.
Waves of one to 1.5 meters are possible in near-shore areas and as high as two meters on the open lake. Temperatures are currently below the freezing point, but may temporarily climb above freezing during the evening and overnight periods before dropping Saturday morning.
“Based on these weather forecasts, there is some risk of minor flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent from late (Friday) afternoon through the overnight,” officials stated in a release.
“While the lower lake levels have reduced the risk of flooding, lake levels have generally been rising since the beginning of the month. These higher wind speeds in the forecast have the potential to create waves that could cause minor flooding to properties in the area.”
Conservation authority officials added this flooding would likely be limited to the rear yards of homes, with some accumulation in the front yards.
“It is unlikely that water would accumulate enough to make it onto the roadway. With temperatures below freezing, there is a risk of freezing wave spray causing slippery conditions,” officials said.
Winds are not expected to cause issues on the Lake St. Clair shoreline in the authority’s jurisdiction.
People are urged to use extra caution and avoid the shoreline conditions should get rough. The waves can be strong and the shoreline slippery, especially if wave spray and low temperatures cause icy conditions.
Children and animals should be kept away from the water.