Strong winds and more rain in the forecast have led to the declaration of a flood watch by the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA).
ERCA issued the watch Monday morning for the Lake Erie shoreline, including Pelee Island, the Lake St. Clair shoreline, and the Detroit River. The municipality of Leamington between Wheatley Harbour and Point Pelee National Park is also covered by this watch.
Forecasters said easterly winds with sustained speeds of 30 kilometres per hour are possible for Monday and Tuesday, with rain and potential thunderstorms also in the forecast. ERCA said there is a high probability of flooding, shoreline erosion, and damaging waves to occur along the Windsor-Essex shoreline. Winds out of the east and northeast for extended periods of time have the potential to raise water levels in the western basin of Lake Erie, which can also raise water levels in tributaries.
The watch is in effect until noon Wednesday.
