Strong winds in the forecast have prompted conservation officials to issue a flood watch along the Lake Erie shoreline.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) issued the watch at 8:45 a.m. Saturday morning. Wind gusts of up to 50 km/hour are forecasted for the area on Saturday. According to the LTVCA, this could result in waves up to 1 metre in high along Lake Erie.
"There is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause erosion all along the Lake Erie shoreline, including the high bluff areas," the LTVCA said in a news release. "Low lying areas and communities would also be at risk of flooding, especially Erie Shore Drive."
Thunderstorms forecasted for Saturday afternoon are also the cause of concern for flooding on Lake Erie.
"Due to the high lake levels, the groundwater table is high and stormwater sewer systems and local watercourses are full with lake water. As a result, rainwater is not draining properly from these areas. Any water from upstream making its way downstream on these watercourses into these shoreline areas could cause additional flooding," said the LTVCA.
The conservation authority said Erie Shore Drive is at the highest risk of erosion this weekend. Residents are being reminded to avoid the shoreline during severe weather.
For the time being, the flood watch is in effect until Sunday.