Strong winds in the forecast over the next few days have prompted the local conservation authority to issue a flood watch for areas of Chatham-Kent.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) issued the watch early Monday morning for the Lake Erie shoreline, Erie Shore Drive and Lighthouse Cove.
According to the conservation authority, winds are expected to reach up to 30 kilometres per hour throughout the day Monday and increase to 60 kilometres per hour by Monday night. Thundershowers are also possible on Monday evening.
As a result, waves are predicted to reach in the one metre range on Lake Erie.
"Given the generally southerly wind direction over the next few days, there is a possibility of flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent," the LTVCA said in a release. "The predicted wind speeds are right around the threshold when flooding begins. So if the lower wind speeds are all that appear, there might not be flooding, but if the higher wind speeds appear, some low level flooding could be expected."
The conservation authority added that if wind speeds peak high enough from the northwest, there could be a brief period of flooding around Lighthouse Cove.
"People should take extra caution and avoid the shoreline should conditions get rough," said the LTVCA. "The waves can be strong and the shoreline slippery."
Winds are predicted to drop back under 25 kilometres per hour by Tuesday morning.
Officials will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates if necessary. The flood watch is in effect until Wednesday.