The winds may ease off a little this weekend, but the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) has issued a flood outlook.
The authority issued on Friday evening a shoreline conditions statement, due to the possibility of a storm surge, wave spray flooding, and shoreline erosion along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent, and the Lake Erie shoreline of Chatham-Kent and Elgin County.
"Due to high lake levels, there is 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, including along the high bluff areas," said LTVCA Watershed and Information Services Manager Jason Wintermute.
Environment Canada has called for southerly winds to pick up in speed late Saturday morning, and sustain through Sunday morning. Later Sunday, winds are expected to shift westerly. Temperatures, while well below freezing Friday night and Saturday morning, are expected to rise by Saturday evening.
"Winds between 40 and 45 kilometres per hour were associated with the flood last Wednesday, so if those wind speeds are reached for more than a few hours, similar flooding could be expected," said Wintermute. "There could also be impacts to other low-lying shoreline areas that have seen flooding over the last few years. Early in the event, there could be freezing temperatures leading to icy and slippery conditions."
Residents living along the Lake Erie shoreline are asked to be cautious and stay away from the shore if conditions get rough. Children and pets should be kept away from the shore.
The statement is due to expire Sunday night and may be updated as conditions dictate.