Howling winds in the forecast may lead to some Windsor-Essex shorelines getting flooded.
The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) has issued a flood watch for the western shore of Pelee Island and the islands within the western basin of Lake Erie. It is also in effect for the Municipality of Leamington west of Point Pelee National Park, including Pigeon Bay.
Environment Canada has called for winds with gusts of up to 70 kilometres per hour from the west and southwest through at least Tuesday morning.
"West winds of this magnitude are expected to temporarily lower water levels in the western basin of Lake Erie," said ERCA Watershed Management Service Director James Bryant. "However, in areas where there is deeper water, strong wave activity is expected to cause significant splashing and spray, and may also cause damage to shoreline structures."
Larger waves are expected along the shoreline at Pelee Island, and Leamington west of the national park, particularly along Robson Road and south along Point Pelee Drive. ERCA is keeping a close eye on West Shore Road on Pelee Island, as waves may cause significant erosion and damage to the protective works along the road.
ERCA will update conditions as needed. The flood watch is on through at least 10 a.m. Tuesday.
The authority has also issued a separate shoreline conditions statement for Windsor-Essex watercourses, due to the weekend's rainfall and rising temperatures causing any snow to melt. That is in effect until 10 a.m. Friday.
