The flood watch continues for the Lake Erie shoreline but a flood warning has been issued for Erie Shore Drive because part of the road is flooded.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) said wave spray has also flooded some properties. The conservation authority is asking that all non-essential traffic should avoid the area to ensure emergency services can access the road if required. The LTVCA said forecasts suggest flooding will continue throughout Wednesday afternoon and into the evening when wind speeds are predicted to drop.
The risk of shoreline damage and erosion all along Lake Erie still exists under the flood watch, including the high bluffs because of strong wind.
"Some forecasts are predicting that sustained wind speeds above 30 km/hr could be reached by early tomorrow morning [Wednesday]. Most forecasts are currently calling for winds to peak late in the morning or in the afternoon, with sustained wind speeds somewhere in the 40 to 45 km/hr range," said LTVCA Watershed and Information Services Manager Jason Wintermute. "Winds are then predicted to back off tomorrow evening [Wednesday]. Longer range forecasts are somewhat mixed, with some forecasts suggesting sustained wind speeds between and 25 and 30 km/hr on Thursday or the possibility of strong winds near 40 km/hr again on Friday."
High water levels on Lake Erie and high waves could damage shoreline protection works and cause erosion all along the shore in Chatham-Kent. Temperatures for this week are expected to be above freezing and forecasts for Lake Erie are calling for waves to start out around 0.5 metres in height Wednesday morning and climb above one metre, possibly peaking near 1.5 metres in height during the afternoon.
As usual, the LTVCA warns people should take extra caution and avoid the shoreline should conditions get rough. The waves can be strong and the shoreline slippery. There could also be hazardous debris within the waves and water which could be thrown onto the shore.
This flood watch will be in effect until Thursday.