Strong wind gusts are expected to cause some flooding and erosion damage along Lake St. Clair over the next couple of days.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) is giving residents the heads-up by issuing a flood watch, especially for people who have properties in the Lighthouse Cove area.
Water Management Supervisor Jason Wintermute said with the water levels on the lake already reaching record highs, there is a risk of additional flooding caused by the waves crashing up against the shoreline. The greatest risk of flooding will likely start early Thursday evening as the wind picks up off of Lake St. Clair.
Wintermute said residents along Lake Erie probably won't likely be hit as hard this time, though, because the winds there are expected to be offshore.
However, the statement from the LTVCA also notes that Environment Canada is calling for a significant amount of rain to drench the region Thursday, which could "aggravate the flooding situation and could impact shoreline communities on both lakes."
The statement notes the ground is already soaked, so it can't absorb any more water. Local waterways are also already full of lake water, so they can't take any more water either.
Officials will continue to keep a close eye on the situation and will update the flood watch if necessary.
In the meantime, residents are being urged to protect their homes against flooding where possible and to avoid shoreline areas and waterways that are higher than normal.