Chatham residents are being asked to avoid the area of Erie Shore Drive as water has already begun to flood the roadway.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) issued the flood warning Wednesday morning after portions of Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent started flooding. Water has also started to build up on around 35 properties.
Manager Jason Wintermute said there is also standing water on the road in several locations.
"Water is flowing across the roadway at one location at the east end of the road," Wintermute said in a release.
Wind speeds are predicted to peak Wednesday afternoon or early evening, with sustained speeds between 45 and 55 kilometres per hour and winds gusts up to 80 kilometres per hour.
As a result, wave heights on the lake could peak between 1.5 to 2 metres in height in nearshore areas and up to 3 metres on the open water.
"Flooding along Erie Shore Drive is predicted to get worse into the late afternoon," said Wintermute. "Winds are then predicted to slowly drop off but could remain strong enough to keep the flooding going until Thursday around noon."
The public is being asked to avoid the area to ensure that emergency services can access the area if required. Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.
The flood warning is in effect until Thursday evening.
Photos my co-worker took along Erie Shore Drive in #ckont this morning. @LakeErieNorth is kicking flooding off early for 2022.#onflood #ltvca pic.twitter.com/98bSGMGJv3
— Jason Homewood (@Jason_Homewood) January 5, 2022