Properties along Erie Shore Drive may be hit with flooding as strong wind gusts over the next 24 hours are expected to create powerful waves on Lake Erie.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) issued a flood watch on Wednesday for Erie Shore Drive and the Lake Erie shoreline.
Conservation officials said sustained wind speeds of up to 35 kilometres per hour are expected to start Wednesday evening.
During peak winds, waves of up to 1.5 metres should be expected on Lake Erie. Forecasts also suggest there is a risk of thundershowers late in the day on Thursday.
The LTVCA said that wind speeds are expected to weaken by Thursday evening.
"Due to high lake levels, there is a risk that wave action could damage shoreline protection works and cause erosion all along the Lake Erie shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County, including along the high bluff areas," the conservation authority said in a media release. " Given the predicted southwesterly wind direction with possible speeds over 25 km/hr, flooding is possible along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent. Other south-facing shoreline communities along Lake Erie would also be at some risk.
Residents are reminded to avoid the shoreline to ensure their safety.
The flood watch is expected to remain in effect until Friday
