Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety: Lake Huron Shoreline
Forecast strong winds with gusts up to 70 km/hr may result in flooding and erosion problems along the Lake Huron shoreline.
A large low-pressure system will move across Lake Huron overnight (Thursday, November 21, 2019), bringing with it high winds. Strong northwest winds are expected to begin early Friday morning (November 22, 2019). Maximum sustained wind speeds of 50 km/hr, with gusts of up to 70 km/hr are possible during this event. Winds are expected to weaken through Friday afternoon.
The strong winds, combined with near record-high water levels on Lake Huron, will result in higher than normal waves hitting shoreline areas. This event is expected to be a shorter duration event, with winds speeds and lake levels below those observed during the October 17th and November 1st storms.
In addition to flooding of low-lying coastal areas, continued erosion of the lakeshore bluff is likely. Residents and municipal officials are reminded to stay well back from breaking waves, and also to stay away from top-of-bluff areas during and after the storm, in case there has been 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 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2019, unless local conditions warrant further updates. Maitland Conservation will continue to monitor conditions and will provide an update if required.
Contact:
Stephen Jackson, Flood and Erosion Safety Services Coordinator
[email protected]
519-357-0890