Very strong winds in the forecast have prompted the local conservation authority to issue a flood warning for Lake Erie shoreline communities in Chatham-Kent and Essex County.
According to the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA), a Gale Warning is currently in effect for western Lake Erie.
The Essex Region Conservation Authority issued a Flood Watch for Amherstburg, Essex, Kingsville, Leamington, and the Township of Pelee.
Forecasts predict that winds will reach up to 25 km/hr on Sunday evening. Sustained wind speeds are then predicted to increase overnight and Monday morning to 60 km/hr and with gusts between 75 and 90 km/hr.
"Wave forecasts for Lake Erie are calling for waves of around 1 metre by around midnight and waves of 2 to 3 metres in height by late overnight," the LTVCA said in a release. "Forecasts also suggest there is a risk of thunderstorms late overnight and tomorrow during the day."
The conservation authority said this could lead to flooding in Lake Erie shoreline communities, especially Erie Shore Drive. There is also a risk of shoreline damage and erosion all along the Lake Erie shoreline, including the high bluffs.
"There is little doubt that there will be flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent," read the release. "Given the wind direction and that the predicted winds speeds are so far beyond the thresholds that have recently been causing flooding along the road, significant flooding should be expected on Erie Shore Drive overnight or early tomorrow morning."
The warning is in effect until Tuesday.