Residents along the Lake Erie shoreline should be prepared for a wet start to the weekend as the wind picks up Friday.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement about the wind and there is a gale warning in their Marine Forecast for western Lake Erie. The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) has also issued a flood watch for the area along Erie Shore Dr.
The wind is expected to pick up to sustained speeds of around 6 0km/h off of the lake, with gusts peaking at around 85 km/h. That is expected to create wave heights of 2 m or more Friday afternoon before the wind speeds drop down a bit in the evening and shift away from the southwest.
Officials with the LTVCA say the waves could cause erosion and damage the shoreline protection that is in place. They are urging residents in the area to avoid heading out towards the water because the waves will be very strong and the shoreline will be slippery.