Highlights:
- Gale Wind Warning
- Minor flooding anticipated
- Possible shoreline erosion
Environment Canada has issued a Gale Warning for Southern Lake Huron. Winds are anticipated to be 20 knots (37 km/h) early today, increasing to northwest at 30 knots (55 km/h) this evening. Winds are anticipated to increase to 35 knots (65 km/h) around midnight before diminishing Friday morning to 30 knots, and then 15 (28 km/h) knots that evening. Waves are predicted to build to 2 metres today by noon, increasing to 3 metres this evening before subsiding to 2 metres tomorrow afternoon. The Lake Huron shoreline can anticipate sustained wind and wave action and possible erosion, particularly the Old Lakeshore Road area of Brights Grove.
Winds around the Mitchell’s Bay area are forecasted to be westerly/northwesterly with winds upwards of 40 km/h. Gusts are predicted to increase throughout the day, peaking between 70-80km/h later this evening, then subsiding to 50-60km/h overnight into early Friday morning. Wind gusts are then forecasted to increase to between 60-70km/h late Friday morning, before slowly diminishing through Friday and into early Saturday. Residents along the Lake St. Clair shoreline may experience wind-driven high water levels and wave action, with a potential for erosion.
Current high water levels on Lakes Huron, Erie and St. Clair are contributing to sustained high water levels on the Sydenham River in Wallaceburg. Winds from a westerly direction have the potential to cause a backwater effect in the Wallaceburg area, and residents in this area can expect minor flooding driven by high westerly winds.
The long-range forecast is also calling for 10-15mm of rain on Sunday, and a further 5mm on Monday. With sustained high water levels on the Sydenham River, these previously considered minimal amounts of rainfall have the potential to cause minor flooding into natural floodplain areas, parks and farm fields, with the potential for ponding.
Rising water will have the potential to have an impact on roads, particularly in Chatham-Kent. Municipal emergency response staff and road superintendents should monitor local conditions closely.
River banks are expected to be slippery, with possible minor erosion. Residents are reminded to avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to slippery banks and cold, swift moving water. Children and pets should be kept away from the water.
The Conservation Authority continues to monitor watershed conditions and will issue advisories to municipalities and media should flood issues arise.
This message will remain in effect until Tuesday, April 14, 2020 unless otherwise updated.
