The Ausable Bayfield and Maitland Valley Conservation Authorities warn a low-pressure system that continues to move across Lake Huron today is bringing high winds to the region.
Strong northwest winds are expected to begin overnight tonight and persist through the day, before decreasing tomorrow evening. Maximum sustained wind speeds of 45 kilometres (km) per hour, with gusts of up to 70 km/hr over Lake Huron are likely with this event.
The strong winds, combined with seasonally record high water levels on Lake Huron, will result in higher than normal waves hitting shoreline areas. In addition to the potential flooding of low-lying coastal areas, continued erosion of the lakeshore bluff is expected, while saturated ground conditions will increase the possibility of bank failures.
Residents and municipal officials are reminded to stay well back from breaking waves, and also to stay away from top-of-bluff areas during and after the storm, in case there has been any movement of the lake bank. It is important to remember that there may be a delay between erosion at the toe (bottom) of the bluff and subsequent bluff failure. This message will remain in effect until 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2020, unless local conditions warrant further updates.
