April 16, 2023 at 10:43 am
The Lower Thames Protection Agency has issued a flood forecast ahead of the windy weather forecast for Sunday.
Forecasters predict winds will shift to the southwest as they strengthen Sunday afternoon, with sustained winds of 45km/h by Sunday evening.
“While some forecasts show winds weakening overnight, others say winds will remain strong, with day and night forecasts for Monday showing sustained winds of 35 to 45 km/h,” conservation officials said in their flood outlook. “Gusts of 50 to 60 km/h are also expected, with stronger gusts possible at times.”
Winds are expected to turn westward Monday night and weaken overnight. Wave forecasts for Lake Erie indicate a wave height of 1 to 1.5 m in the shoreline area.
“Based on these forecasts, there is a risk of flooding along the Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent from tonight through Monday,” the LTVCA said. “Despite recent events, recent Floodwaters in 2021 and 2022 have been isolated, but lake levels have now risen above levels seen at this time in 2021 and 2022.”
Wave action also has the potential to damage shoreline protection works due to high lake levels and wave conditions, and cause erosion of all shorelines along Lake Erie in Chatham-Kent and Elgin counties, including along areas of high escarpment.
Winds are not expected to cause problems along the shoreline of Lake St. Clair within the LTVCA jurisdiction.