Strong winds in the forecast have led to a flood watch from the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA).
ERCA has issued a flood watch for the Lake St. Clair shoreline between Belle River and Tilbury North in the town of Lakeshore, as well as the western shore of Pelee Island. This watch is in effect until 6 p.m. Thursday.
The forecast from Environment Canada indicated strong winds from the northwest over both Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie beginning early Thursday morning, peaking in the afternoon. Drainage from this past weekend's rainfall has raised the water levels on Lake Erie, according to ERCA Water Resource Manager James Bryant.
"With the current high lake levels and predicted speeds between 30 and 40 kilometres per hour over through the majority of the day, there is the potential for nearshore erosion, damaging waves, splashing and spray for those impacted shoreline areas," said Bryant. "With the predicted winds over Lake Erie, Pelee Island also has the potential for erosion, damaging waves, and splashing and spray with the most likely impacted area being the western shoreline of the island."
ERCA said residents should exercise caution when travelling in the affected areas, as overtopping, waves, slippery banks and fast-moving currents can be dangerous.