The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) has issued a pair of weather statements as rain moves through Windsor-Essex.
ERCA has issued a shoreline conditions statement for the Lake Erie shoreline, including Pelee Island. It has also put out a watershed conditions statement for all of Windsor-Essex.
The latest Environment Canada forecast calls for 15 to 25 millimetres of rain to fall through Wednesday evening. A special weather statement is in effect for most of southwestern Ontario.
ERCA Water Resources Engineer Tian Martin said the area most likely to be affected by the shoreline statement is the portion of Lake Erie between Wheatley Harbour and Point Pelee National Park.
"Winds are currently moderate and out of the east over Lake Erie. Forecasts predict that wind speeds will increase to reach sustained speeds between 40-45 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching up to 70 kilometres per hour," said Martin. "Lake levels still remain elevated compared to long-term averages. The combination of elevated lake levels and predicted wind conditions are below ERCA Flood Watch thresholds. However, there remains some risk of flooding and accelerated nearshore erosion along the Lake Erie shoreline including south Pelee Island, as a result of increased wave activity."
The rainfall forecast may result in drainage systems working at or near capacity, and with ground partially frozen in some areas, water absorption may be slower than desired.
The shoreline statement is on through Wednesday afternoon, and the watershed statement is in effect through 10 a.m. Thursday.
