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

Flood watch issued ahead of windy weather

Strong winds in the forecast 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 Sunday 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 Sunday afternoon.

"Forecasts are predicting that winds will rise throughout the day and switch more to the southwest," the LTVCA said in a release. "Winds are then predicted to peak later in the evening with sustained wind speeds around 50 kilometres per hour."

As a result, wave heights on the lake could peak between 1 to 1.5 metres in height in nearshore areas and 3 metres on the open water.

There is also a risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent.

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," the LTVCA said.

Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.

The flood watch is in effect until Tuesday.

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