Windy conditions along Lake Erie have prompted a flood watch for residents with waterfront properties in several Chatham-Kent communities.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority issued the alert Friday morning, warning that strong winds off of the lake are expected to lead to flooding for east-facing shoreline communities like Shrewsbury and the bay side of Erieau.
The LTVCA said there is also the risk of some erosion and shoreline damage for areas including Rose Beach Line and Wheatley.
The flood watch was sent out by the local conservation authority after Environment Canada issued a Gale Warning for western Lake Erie. Forecasters are expecting the wind to pick up Friday, reaching sustained speeds of between 40 to 60 kilometres per hour by later in the morning. That is also expected to continue into Saturday.
The wind could cause waves of up to 2 metres in height close to the shore and up to 4 m further out into the lake.
The LTVCA is urging residents to take extra caution along the waterfront and to avoid the shoreline if conditions get rough because the waves can be strong and the shoreline can be slippery.
The flood watch is expected to remain in effect until Sunday, May 30, 2021.
