The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) has issued a flood outlook ahead of the strong winds in the forecast.
Forecasters are calling for periods of strong winds beginning Friday afternoon and lasting through Sunday.
"While Warnings have not yet been issued by Canadian authorities, NOAA already has a Gale Watch in effect," the LTVCA said in a statement. "Friday afternoon winds are expected to be out of the east. Through the afternoon and evening winds are predicted to switch more southerly, becoming southwesterly overnight into Saturday."
Wind speeds could exceed 45 km/h Friday afternoon, with gusts up to 70 km/hr.
According to the LTVCA, winds are predicted to continue climbing with sustained wind speeds likely peaking on Saturday morning, possibly reaching 65 km/h, with possible gusts over 80 km/hr.
Winds aren’t predicted to drop back beneath 45 km/h until late in the day on Sunday.
"Wave forecasts suggest wave heights of 2 m could be seen in nearshore areas overnight Friday through Saturday, possible reaching 3 m on Saturday," read the statement. "Forecasts are also calling for 10 to 30 mm of rain on Friday and early Saturday. Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing on Saturday."
There is a risk of flooding along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent from Friday afternoon through into Sunday afternoon. In addition, there is also a risk of freezing wave spray on Saturday and Sunday.
Shoreline protection works could be damaged from the wave action and cause further erosion along the shoreline in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County, including along the high bluff areas.
Winds are not predicted to be from a direction to cause issues along the Lake St. Clair shoreline in the LTVCA jurisdiction.
"People should take extra caution and avoid the shoreline should conditions get rough. The waves can be strong and the shoreline slippery," the LTVCA said. "There could also be hazardous debris within the waves and water which could be thrown onto the shore. Standing water can also present unseen hazards. Children and animals should be kept away from the water."
Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.
