Organizations

ERCA Issues Flood Watch for Pelee Island and Leamington

The Essex Region Conservation Authority advises that, due to the forecasted wind conditions this afternoon and lasting through the evening, a Flood Watch is in effect for the following areas:

– Western shoreline of Pelee Island and islands within the western basin of Lake Erie; and
– Municipality of Leamington, west of Point Pelee National Park (Pigeon Bay)

Wind is currently blowing out of the west above 30 km/hr over Lake Erie. These conditions are expected to worsen throughout the day reaching speeds up to and over 50 km/hr sustained out of the west and west-southwest directions.

These conditions are expected to start early in the afternoon and last until late Monday night, eventually dissipating by the morning of Tuesday, December 7th.

West winds of this magnitude are expected to temporarily lower water levels in the western basin of Lake Erie; however, in areas where there are deeper water, strong wave activity is expected to cause significant splashing and spray, and may also cause damage to shoreline structures.

For the Essex Region, larger/strong waves are expected along the west shoreline of Pelee Island (Township of Pelee) and the area west of Point Pelee National Park (Municipality of Leamington), specifically along Robson Road and southerly along Point Pelee Drive (County Road 33).

In addition to splashing, spray and potential damage to shoreline structures, there is an increased risk of accelerated erosion with the predicted wind conditions.

West Shore Road on Pelee Island is of special concern as waves can cause significant erosion and damage to the shoreline protection works along the roadway. Should waves be strong enough, there is an additional risk of damage to the West Shore Road roadway surface.

People are encouraged to take extra caution to avoid areas where flooding is occurring as well as rivers, streams, and shoreline areas during significant rainfall and wind 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.

ERCA officials will continue to monitor conditions as they change and issue upgraded advisories as required.

Issued By:
James Bryant, P.Eng.
Director of Watershed Management Services
519-819-7912

Date:
December 6, 2021

Time:
10:00 am

This advisory is in effect until:
December 7, 2021 10:00 am

Municipalities and Other Agencies:
Upon receipt, hand directly to the Flood Coordinator or Emergency Planner for your Municipality or Agency.

Types of Bulletins:

Watershed Conditions –
Safety Bulletins:
High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.

Watershed Conditions –
Flood Outlook:
Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.

Flood Watch Bulletins:
Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.

Flood Warning Bulletins:
Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.

To read the original news release click here.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*