Strong winds in the forecast have prompted the local conservation authority to issue a flood watch for areas of Chatham-Kent.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) issued the watch Saturday for the Lake Erie shoreline, including Erie Shore Drive.
Officials said wind speeds are expected to reach up 45 km/hour with gusts up to 70 km/hour.
"The marine forecast suggests southwest winds over the lake are to peak around 55 km/hour Sunday morning diminishing to 35 km/hour in the afternoon," the LTVCA said in a release. "Waves in open water areas are forecasted to reach 1.5 m in height during the day."
There is also a risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent.
Officials said similar wind speeds in the past have caused significant flooding in the area and water levels are fairly close to where they were at this time last year.
"While some ice berms are still present along the shoreline, the majority have melted or been severely degraded and may no longer provide the same level of protection as during recent wind events," said the LTVCA. "Given the cold temperatures forecasted, the spray from waves impacting shoreline protection can be expected to freeze creating additional hazardous conditions."
Erie Shore residents are being reminded to pay close attention to local conditions.
