The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) has issued a Flood Watch for parts of Windsor-Essex.
The authority advises that, due to the predicted winds primarily out of the east on Wednesday, a Flood Watch is in effect for the following areas:
– Lake St. Clair shoreline from the City of Windsor to Belle River
– Lake Erie shoreline including Pelee Island
– Detroit River Shoreline
According to ERCA, strong winds out of the east are in the forecast beginning early Wednesday morning and lasting until early Wednesday evening.
Winds are expected to be sustained at speeds greater than 30 km/hr for the duration of the event with gusts in the range of 50 to 60 km/hr.
These winds are expected to raise water levels in the western basin of Lake Erie and in turn, raise water levels in Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River. Additionally, it is expected that water levels within major tributaries rise as a result any windgenerated lake set-up.
There is a possibility of flooding, shoreline erosion, and damaging waves as a result the forecasted conditions.
An area of particular concern includes the Lake Erie shoreline between Wheatley Harbour and the tip of Point Pelee National Park as this area has experienced repeated flood events this
spring due to conditions similar to those in the forecast for Wednesday.
Due to the current high lake levels, the City of Windsor is being asked to monitor water levels along the flood control dykes within the Little River Drain corridor and the Municipality of Leamington should monitor the flood control dykes in the Southeast Leamington area, including the Mersea Road 1 Dyke and the Marentette Dike.
ERCA also advises that 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 wave events.
The combination of slippery banks, waves, waves overtopping breakwalls, 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, standing water, and shoreline/breakwall areas.
Officials will continue to monitor the forecast and provide updates as required.