Officials with the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) are warning of flooding along the Lake Erie shoreline and Rondeau Bay, which includes communities such as Erieau and Shrewsbury.
A flood warning was issued Wednesday morning as water levels have risen higher than anticipated and wind gusts are expected to pick-up.
"The winds overnight and [Wednesday] morning peaked at almost 20 kilometres per hour higher than predicted and water levels climbed about 10 centimetres higher than predicted," said a news release from the LTVCA.
Flooding is already noticeable in the Rondeau Bay area with water filling up ditches and low-lying areas. Officials with the LTVCA said about three dozen homes in Erieau and some properties in Shrewsbury appear to be affected by the flooding.
Conservation officials also mentioned that with strong wind gusts expected throughout the day, any wave action could result in more significant flooding. Areas such as Erie Shore Drive, Rose Beach Line, Rondeau Bay Estates, and Wheatley are more susceptible to flooding. There's a risk of further erosion and damage along the Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County.
Flooding is also expected to affect the Wallaceburg area. The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority has also issued a flood warning for the Sydenham River watershed.
Residents are advised to stay away from sitting water as well as the shoreline for safety reasons.
The flood warning will remain in effect until May 2.
