Windy weather coupled with significant rainfall could lead to some flooding along the Lake Erie shoreline in parts of Elgin and Norfolk counties.
The Long Point Region Conservation Authority issued a Flood Watch on Tuesday. Strong southwest wind gusts of 80 to 85 km/h are expected to cause water levels in Lake Erie to rise by Wednesday morning, according to conservation officials.
The winds are part of an early spring storm that is expected to drop 15-30 mm of rain across southwestern Ontario Tuesday night.
In Port Colborne, surge levels will likely reach to 2.3 m, while those in Long Point are expected to be 1.75m.
"If this surge level is reached, some flooding can be expected in low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline," the conservation authority said in a news release.
Water levels should peak by Wednesday afternoon.
Residents from Port Burwell to Port Dover are urged to stay away from the shoreline as the high water levels and strong waves can be dangerous.
The flood watch will continue until noon on Thursday.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority has issued a similar flood watch for people in Chatham-Kent. Meanwhile, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority does not anticipate any serious flooding. Water levels in the London area are however expected to be higher than normal, peaking early Thursday.
