After a weekend of dry weather, the Essex Region Conservation Authority says high winds in this week's forecast may stir up waterways again.
ERCA has extended a flood watch through noon Thursday for all shoreline areas of Windsor-Essex, including Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, along with lakes and tributaries.
Forecasters are predicting two straight wind events for Tuesday and Wednesday, first from the north-northeast, then from the north. The United States Army Corps of Engineers says both Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie have started the month of May with record high monthly average water levels, which surpassed the previous record set in May 1986. Due to these high levels, there is increased concern related to wind-generated lake-setup, damaging waves, and shoreline erosion.
James Bryant, ERCA's water resource engineer, says there is a possibility for a wind event similar to that of Friday, which raised water levels in Lake St. Clair. Forecasters say winds may increase to sustained speeds of 30 kilometres per hour, gusting to 40 kilometres per hour or more come Wednesday. He said these winds may not shift until Thursday.
"If this forecast remains accurate, there is a high possibility of flooding, shoreline erosion and damaging waves," said Bryant. "These types of wind events have the potential to significantly raise water levels in the western basin of Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, as well as elevate water levels in the Detroit River and major tributaries across the region."
The city of Windsor announced Friday they will monitor conditions in east Windsor, particularly along the Little River corridor. In Leamington, authorities are keeping an eye on ongoing conditions with the Marentette Beach Road dike.