Waves along Lake Erie. April 10, 2019. (Photo courtesy of the LTVCA).Waves along Lake Erie. April 10, 2019. (Photo courtesy of the LTVCA).
Chatham

Strong winds may cause flooding for parts of CK

Despite sunny skies and warm weather this weekend, residents may want to avoid areas along the shoreline.

The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) has issued a flood watch for Erieau, Rondeau Bay, and the Lake Erie Shoreline.

Conservation officials said strong wind gusts are expected to pick up overnight on Friday and continue throughout the weekend.

"The sustained winds will raise water levels in the western basin of Lake Erie and could raise lake levels in the Rondeau Bay area by an additional eight centimetres by Saturday evening," said Jason Wintermute with the LTVCA. "Waves on the lake could be expected to reach between one and 1.5 metres in height."

With wind gusts expected to reach up to 50 kilometres per hour, conservation officials also said they expect powerful waves to hit the shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County.

Due to the record high water levels in Lake Erie, LTVCA officials said it is possible that new areas that were not usually at risk, could become prone to flooding.

Residents are advised to avoid the shoreline this weekend for safety reasons.

The flood watch will remain in effect until Monday.

Read More Local Stories