Lake Erie on August 26, 2019 (Photo by Allanah Wills)Lake Erie on August 26, 2019 (Photo by Allanah Wills)
Chatham

Flood watch issued for parts of Chatham-Kent

Strong winds in the forecast over the next 24 hours has 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 Saturday morning for the Lake Erie shoreline, including Erie Shore Drive.

According to the conservation authority, winds are expected to reach up to 35 kilometres per hour by Saturday evening.

"While most forecasts are predicting winds will drop off by early tomorrow morning, some forecasts suggest that sustained wind speeds might remain above 30 km/h throughout Sunday morning,"  the LTVCA said in a release.

As a result, waves are predicted to reach between 1.5 to 2 metres on Lake Erie.

There is also a risk of thunderstorms during this period.

"Given current Lake Erie water levels and the predicted wind speeds, there is a risk of flooding and shoreline damage along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent during this wind event," said the LTVCA. "There is also some risk to other low-lying shoreline areas in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County.

Due to high lake levels, there is also 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.

“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.”

Officials will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates if necessary. The flood watch is in effect until Monday.

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