Residents who live near the shorelines of Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair might start off their weekend on a damp note as strong wind gusts on Thursday and Friday may cause flooding in some areas.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority has issued a flood watch for the Great Lakes shorelines, Erie Shore Drive, and Lighthouse Cove. The watch was prompted by a strong wind warning issued by Environment Canada.
Conservation officials said wind speeds are expected to pick up on Thursday morning and last throughout the day on Friday. Winds from the south or southwest may gust up to 80 kilometres an hour on Thursday evening. However, the wind direction may change to the west and northwest on Friday.
"The Marine Forecast is predicting waves of two to three metres in height on Lake Erie for Thursday evening, but it’s too early for them to post wave height predictions on Lake St. Clair for Friday morning," said Jason Wintermute, manager of watershed and information services.
Residents, especially those at Erie Shore Drive and Lighthouse Cove, are encouraged to keep an eye on the conditions. Aside from flooding concerns, there is a risk of further erosion along the shorelines of Lake Eries and Lake St. Clair.
The flood watch will remain in place until Saturday.
