There is a wind warning for the Lake Erie shoreline along Chatham-Kent.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) said there is a risk of wave damage, erosion, and flooding along the Lake Erie shore, including the high bluff areas because of strong northeast winds Wednesday night and Thursday morning. The strong wind warning has been issued by Environment Canada, which said wind speeds are forecasted to climb above 30 km/h Wednesday evening and could reach speeds of 40 km/h overnight with gusts up to 60 km/h Thursday morning.
"Forecasts suggest wave heights on Lake Erie could reach up to 2 metres in height overnight," said the LTVCA in a statement released Wednesday. "In addition to the winds, forecasts also suggest there could be 15 to 30 millimetres of rain during this period."
The LTVCA said residents should pay attention to local conditions and be prepared because rainwater is not draining properly from low lying shoreline areas due to the high lake levels.
"The area most likely to be impacted is the Rose Beach Line area as it will be exposed to direct wind and wave action for most of this period," the LTVCA added. "The Erie Shore Drive area will be mostly sheltered during this wind event, however, there some risk that the area could be impacted should the winds not drop before switching to the southeast as predicted."
People should avoid the shoreline because the waves can be strong and the shoreline slippery.
This advisory will be in effect until Friday.