Record-high lake levels have once again raised concern for the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA).
ERCA has issued a flood watch for all shoreline areas within the Essex region, including Pelee Island. The current watch is in effect until 1 p.m. Tuesday.
"Areas of potential concern are the low-lying beach communities and shoreline areas along Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, and Lake Erie, as well as low-lying areas along the downstream reaches of major tributaries," said James Bryant, ERCA's water resources engineer.
Specific areas of concern are subject to change according to weather forecasts and wind speed. For example, high winds from the east and northeast may affect the entire Lake St. Clair shoreline in Windsor-Essex, the whole Lake Erie shoreline, including Pelee Island and the Detroit River shore.
"These elevated lake levels bring an elevated risk of flooding and nearshore erosion across the watershed," said Bryant. "Measurable wind from any direction can potentially cause minor flooding issues while sustained wind speeds nearing 30 kilometres per hour can and has caused significant flooding, substantial nearshore erosion, and damage to shoreline structures."
As usual, in these conditions, residents are asked to take caution in areas that are susceptible to flooding.
