Strong winds, rain, and high waves are expected to add up to potentially dangerous conditions along Lake Erie this week.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority issued a statement on Wednesday to advise residents that areas along the shore in Elgin County and Chatham-Kent will experience heightened wave activity as a weather system moves through the region. According to the LTVCA, strong, southwest winds that are expected to gust up to 50 kilometres per hour will begin Thursday morning and last throughout the day. The wind will shift to a more southerly direction in the evening, when approximately 10-15 millimetres of rain is likely to begin falling. Strong winds are expected to come from a more westerly direction on Friday. It's expected waves on Lake Erie will reach heights of 1.5 metres.
"Throughout most of Thursday and Friday, winds will be driving waves onshore along the entire Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County," the advisory said. "There is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works, cause shoreline erosion, and create flooding due to wave crashing against shoreline protection works, particularly along Erie Shore Drive. Residents along the Lake Erie shoreline should pay attention to local weather conditions and prepare accordingly."
The LTVCA recommends taking extra caution and avoiding the shoreline if conditions deteriorate. It warns that waves can be strong and the shoreline slippery.
"There could also be hazardous debris within the waves and water which could be thrown onto the shoreline," the LTVCA said. "Standing water can also present unseen hazards. Children and pets should be kept away from the water. Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary."
