Current water levels in Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie are significantly elevated compared to one year ago
The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) has issued a Flood Watch.
ERCA announced the measure because of elevated lake levels and predicted sustained winds out of the south-southwest potentially starting tonight.
The Watch is in the effect for the following areas...
- Lake Erie shoreline within the Municipalities of Amherstburg, Essex, Kingsville
- Lake Erie shoreline within the Municipality of Leamington, west of Point Pelee National Park (Pigeon Bay)
- Lake Erie shoreline – west and south shorelines of Pelee Island
According to a release, there is also the potential for thunderstorms to move across the region with the potential for downpours and a total of 25 mm of rain.
Current water levels in Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie are significantly elevated compared to one year ago.
With these high lake levels and the wind forecasts, there is an elevated risk of flooding, erosion and the potential for shoreline damage from direct wave impacts.
ERCA says people should take extra caution to avoid areas where flooding is occurring as well as rivers, streams, and shoreline areas during significant rainfall and wind/lake events.
The combination of slippery banks, waves, waves overtopping shoreline structures, and fast moving water can be dangerous. Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards.
Children, pets, and livestock should be kept away from flowing or standing water as well as shoreline areas.
Due to elevated lake levels, the Municipality of Leamington should continue to monitor the flood control dykes in the Southeast Leamington Area, including the Mersea Road 1 Dyke and the Marentette Dyke.
The City of Windsor should continue to monitor water levels along the flood control dykes within the Little River Drain corridor.