Those living along Erie Shore Drive should prepare for flooding over the next 24 hours.
According to the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA), an unpredicted change in wind direction will create high waves that could cause flooding and damage along Erie Shore Drive Monday afternoon and early evening.
A Strong Wind Warning for Western Lake Erie was issued by Environment Canada on Monday. The advisory said there are sustained winds around 35 kilometres per hour, with peak winds expected to hit 40 km/h late Monday afternoon.
The strong winds and waves are expected to continue Tuesday afternoon, continuing the risk of flooding and shoreline damage all along Lake Erie in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County.
Waves could reach two to three metres by the early evening according to Environment Canada. Winds are expected to pick up again Tuesday afternoon and reach around 45 kilometres per hour before switching to the west in the evening and dropping overnight.
The LTVCA said there is a risk that waves could damage shoreline protection works and cause shoreline erosion.
It added vulnerable areas could see localized flooding due to waves crashing against shoreline protection works and spraying water up onto the land. The LTVCA said Erie Shore Drive sees a higher chance of flooding when sustained wind speeds from the south reach roughly 35 kilometres per hour. The authority added residents along the Lake Erie shoreline should pay attention to weather forecasts and prepare accordingly.
It said people should avoid the shoreline, but take extra caution if they are there and conditions get rough. The LTVCA said waves can be strong and the shoreline slippery. There could also be hazardous debris within the waves and water, which could be thrown onto the shoreline. Standing water can also present unseen hazards and children and pets should be kept away from the water.
The authority said officials will continue to monitor the situation and update the advisory if necessary.