Environment Canada has issued a Gale Warning for both Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair.

Winds over Southern Lake Huron are currently westerly, gusting 50-60 km/h with sustained winds of 30-40 km/h. Later this morning, sustained winds are anticipated to grow to 35-45 km/h, with gusts upwards of 70 km/h. Winds are forecast to continue to increase throughout the day, reaching gusts of 70-80 km/h late afternoon and 80-100 km/h this evening (40-60 km/h sustained), continuing overnight into Monday morning. Wind gusts will subside to around 50 km/h mid-morning Monday, continuing overnight into Tuesday before subsiding mid-morning. Winds will become west-northwest (WNW) this evening.

Waves this morning around 3-4 metres are anticipated to subside to 2-3 metres near noon before building to 3-5 metres this evening; waves are anticipated to subside to 2 metres around noon Monday.

Winds over Lake St. Clair are currently westerly, with sustained speeds of 30-40 km/h and gusts of 50-60 km/h. Later this morning, sustained winds are anticipated to grow to 40-50 km/h, with gusts upwards of 70 km/h. Winds are forecast to continue to increase throughout the day, reaching gusts of 70-80 km/h late afternoon and increasing to 80-90 km/h later this evening (40-50 km/h sustained). Wind gusts between 70 and 80 km/h will continue into early Monday morning, subsiding to 50 km/h mid-morning. Winds will become west-southwest early Monday afternoon, with gusts ranging 40-60 km/h throughout the day, subsiding Tuesday morning. Waves forecast being one metre.

Winds from a southerly or westerly direction in the Lake St. Clair region have the ability to create a backwater effect, elevating water levels in the Wallaceburg area with a potential for minor flooding.

Residents along the shorelines may experience increased wave action with a potential for erosion, storm surge, and possible flooding in natural floodplain areas.

Banks and shorelines are anticipated to be slippery, with possible 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.

Municipal emergency response staff and road superintendents should monitor local conditions closely.

This message will remain in effect until Tuesday, November 3, 2020, unless otherwise updated.