High water levels on Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair have broken records.
According to the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA), in May, Lake Erie broke the all-time monthly average record set in June of 1986, since the end of May, average water levels on Lake Erie have risen approximately 10 centimetres.
Meanwhile, on Lake St. Clair, average water levels at the end of June exceeded the all-time monthly record set in October of 1986 by about eight centimetres.
The LTVCA is reminding residents that these record-breaking high water levels have left shoreline areas vulnerable to damage, flooding and erosion. On Tuesday afternoon they released a flood outlook statement.
They add that there are several low lying shoreline areas across the municipality that remain underwater and should be avoided if possible. Unexpected severe weather has also proven to be difficult for shorelines this summer.
"Pop-up thundershowers are not always forecasted and the sudden strong winds associated with them can produce unpredicted waves and water level changes that impact shoreline communities," the LTVCA said in a press release. "Heavy rains associated with thundershowers could also cause flooding in low lying shoreline areas. Due to the high lake levels, the groundwater table is high and stormwater sewer systems and local watercourses are full with lake water. As a result, rainwater is not draining properly from these areas."
Conservation officials are asking people to contact the Municipality of Chatham-Kent if they experience any flooding or erosion that impact roadways and other public infrastructure.
