Powerful wind gusts have prompted conservation officials to issue a flood watch for areas along the Lake Erie shoreline, Erie Shore Drive and Rose Beach Line.
Environment Canada is calling for wind gusts of up to 40 kilometres per hour overnight, however, conditions will whip up Friday when wind gusts are expected to reach up to 50 kilometres per hour. In addition to the wind speeds, officials with the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) said winds are expected to change direction overnight and may prompt waves out on Lake Erie to reach 1.5 metres in height.
Powerful waves are expected to hit the Lake Erie shoreline in both Chatham-Kent and Elgin County. High bluff areas on Rose Beach Line may also be exposed to waves.
However, conservation officials said if the wind changes to a more northeast direction on Friday, the Rondeau Bay side of Erieau may also experience flooding.
Residents who live near the water are asked to be cautious around the shoreline.
The flood watch will remain in effect until Saturday.