(BlackburnNews.com file photo)(BlackburnNews.com file photo)
Windsor

Shoreline residents: Are you prepared for a winter emergency?

Just because lake levels down do not mean many areas across the region are not at risk of flooding or ice jams.

The Essex Region Conservation Authority is urging municipalities and residents to remain prepared.

It says while lake levels are down, as they usually are this time of year, they are still higher than they were last year or compared to long-term averages.

"The Essex Region has a history of significant freeze-thaw cycles that -- elevate the potential risk of ice jamming within inland rivers and creeks as ice becomes unstable and breaks apart," said James Bryant, the agency's water resources engineer.

There are also concerns about potential ice shoves along the shores of Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair. That is not usually a significant concern in this area, but higher lake levels altered sandbars and the risk is higher this year.

Historically, the areas most likely to experience ice shoving are east of Peche Island to Stoney Point, Bar Point in Amherstburg at the mouth of Lake Erie, and the western reaches of Pigeon Bay.

"Shoreline areas that have surface water outlets and or pumped outfalls also have increased risk as the difference in temperature between the lake and drainage waters can weaken lake ice near those outfalls," explained Bryant.

The authority will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates.

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