A flood watch has been issued for the Lake Erie shoreline, including Pelee Island, ahead of high winds that are expected on Wednesday.
The Essex Region Conservation Authority issued the watch on Tuesday with wind speeds expected to reach 50 kilometres per hour on Wednesday, with gusts above 80 km/h from the south.
Due to the high winds, the conservation authority said there is a potential for flooding, waves overtopping, splashing and spray, nearshore erosion and breakwall damage.
The areas that could be most affected are the south and west shorelines of Pelee Island, the western shoreline of Point Pelee National Park, the shoreline of Leamington west of Point Pelee National Park, and along the shorelines of the towns of Kingsville, Essex, and Amherstburg.
"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 conservation authority said in a news release. "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."
The flood watch will remain in effect until noon on Thursday.
