The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) has issued two statements with heavy wind and rain in the forecast this weekend.
With 20 to 35 millimetres of rain expected to fall by Saturday night, ERCA has put out a watershed conditions statement, in effect till Sunday at 9 a.m.
"Watercourses, including major tributaries and local surface drainage features, may experience a rise in water levels," said ERCA Watershed Management Services Director James Bryant. "Additionally, the ground conditions were wet preceding the cold temperatures followed by a light snowfall, and now, warmer temperatures are expected through the weekend."
Those conditions may result in larger-than-usual water runoff and prolonged standing water in low-lying areas.
The additional shoreline conditions statement addresses the wind in the Environment Canada forecast. Winds may pick up late Friday night and sustain through Saturday, with gusts reaching 90 kilometres per hour. This means the chance of bigger waves along the Lake Erie shoreline.
"In addition to splashing, spray and potential damage to shoreline structures, there is an increased risk of accelerated erosion with the predicted wind conditions," said Bryant. "West Shore Road on Pelee Island is of special concern as waves can cause significant erosion and damage to the shoreline protection works along the roadway. Should waves be strong enough, there is an additional risk of damage to the West Shore Road roadway surface."
The shoreline statement is in effect until Monday at 9 a.m.
ERCA will update the information as necessary throughout the weekend.
