With more windy weather in the forecast, residents who live along Lake Erie in Chatham-Kent are being cautioned to prepare for flooding.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) has issued another flood watch -- the second one in less than a week -- this time because the gusts of wind out of the southwest could reach 80-85km/h Wednesday morning.
Environment Canada's Marine Forecast has also issued a Gale Warning for western Lake Erie with strong sustained wind speeds expected to start late Tuesday evening -- those wind speeds over the lake could reach 70km/h by Wednesday morning.
The strong winds are expected to push waves on the lake to heights of more than 3m at their peak Wednesday morning before dying down a bit as the wind shifts to the northwest overnight Wednesday and into Thursday.
LTVCA officials say some of the key concerns for people who live along the shoreline include flooding and erosion. Some of the properties along Erie Shore Dr. already experienced flooding recently when the winds were around 35km/h from the south -- this time, the wind speeds are expected to be twice as strong.
Residents who live along the lake are being urged to take extra caution and to avoid the shoreline if possible. Not only could the waves create slippery conditions, but they could also throw hazardous debris over the edge.
The current flood watch will be in effect until Thursday, April 5.
