Properties along Erie Shore Drive may be hit with flooding as strong wind gusts over the next 24 hours are expected to create powerful waves on Lake Erie.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) issued a flood watch on Saturday for Erie Shore Drive and the Lake Erie shoreline.
Conservation officials said sustained wind speeds of up to 25 kilometres per hour are expected to start Saturday evening and then increase to 35 kilometres per hour overnight.
"Due to high lake levels, there is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause erosion all along the Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County, including along the high bluff areas," the conservation authority said in a media release. "Given the forecasts for wind speeds in the 25 kilometres per hour to 35 kilometres per hour range from a generally southerly direction, there is a risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent. There would also be some risk of flooding in other south-facing shoreline communities along Lake Erie."
Winds are not predicted to be from a direction that would cause issues for the Lake St. Clair shoreline in the LTVCA.
Residents are reminded to avoid the shoreline to ensure their safety.
The flood watch is expected to remain in effect until Monday.