Strong waves in Lake Erie. (File photo courtesy of Cindy June via Facebook)Strong waves in Lake Erie. (File photo courtesy of Cindy June via Facebook)
Chatham

LTVCA issues flood outlook ahead of windy weather

Strong winds expected in the region on Wednesday could cause some damage along the Lake Erie shoreline.

The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) issued a flood outlook statement following the predictions of strong winds in the forecast.

Sustained wind speeds are forecasted to peak around 40-55 kilometres per hour Wednesday afternoon with gusts up to 80 km/h. Winds are expected to last overnight into Thursday morning.

"The Marine Forecast has issued a Gale Warning due to wind forecasts suggesting sustained wind speeds up to 65 km/hr could be seen on the open waters of Lake Erie from late Wednesday into Thursday morning," the LTVCA said in a statement. "Wave forecasts for Lake Erie are calling for wave heights of around 1 m to 2 m in nearshore areas with the possibility of 3 to 4 m waves on the open lake.  Temperatures are also predicted to drop under the freezing point overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning."

There is a risk of flooding and shoreline damage along Erie Shore Drive overnight and Thursday morning.

"While there is the possibility of some flooding overnight tonight while winds are more southerly, the greater risk is for Wednesday if winds stay more southwest rather than shifting to the west," read the statement.

Residents in the area should pay close attention to local conditions and be prepared.

Winds are not predicted to cause issues on the Lake St. Clair shoreline in the LTVCA jurisdiction.

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