Strong winds with gusts up to 90 km/hr may result in flooding and erosion problems along the Lake Huron shoreline.
A Colorado Low is forecasted to move across Lake Huron on Sunday (November 15, 2020), bringing with it high winds. Strong west winds are expected to begin Sunday afternoon and continue until Monday afternoon with maximum sustained wind speeds of 55 km/hr and gusts of up to 90 km/hr over Lake Huron. On Tuesday winds are expected to shift to the northwest and strengthen again with sustained speeds of 40 km/hr and gusts of 70 km/hr. Peak wave heights are not expected to be as large as those seen on November 1st and 2nd, but the sustained wave action combined with near record-high lake levels has the potential to cause flooding in low-lying coastal areas and erosion of the lakeshore bluff.
Please stay well back from breaking waves and stay away from top-of-bluff areas during and after the storm in case there is any movement of the lake bank. It is important to remember that there may be a delay between erosion at the toe (bottom) of the bluff and subsequent bluff failure.
This message will remain in effect until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday November 18, 2020, unless local conditions worsen and warrant further updates. Maitland Conservation will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will provide an update if required.
Contact:
Jeff Winzenried, Water Resources Technician
[email protected]
Media Inquiries:
Jayne Thompson, Communications Coordinator
[email protected] or 519-357-6670
Types of Flood Messages:
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety – General watershed conditions are being assessed for high runoff potential that could lead to flooding, and to remind the public of general river safety issues.
Watershed Conditions Statement – 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 – Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
Flood Warning – Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.