The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority has issued a flood watch for Lake Erie and Erie Shore Drive with a strong wind warning for Western Lake Erie.
There is a high wind watch now for Erie Shore Drive and concerns of shore erosion all along.
Sustained winds are expected to exceed 40 km/hr today.
In a statement, the LTVCA says the forecast is still calling for moderate to strong winds with sustained wind speeds predicted in the 35 to 40 km/hr range Thursday night into Friday morning. Winds are then predicted to drop and to remain gentle to moderate through the weekend. Wave forecasts for Lake Erie are generally calling for waves of 1.5 to 2 m height.
Current water levels and recent conditions make the risk higher than normal for this kind of event.
People should take extra caution and avoid the shoreline should conditions get rough. The waves can be strong and the shoreline slippery. There could also be hazardous debris within the waves and water which could be thrown onto the shore. Standing water can also present unseen hazards. Children and animals should be kept away from the water.
The watch is in effect until Friday.
