For Immediate Release
Watershed Condition Statement for Lake Erie Shoreline
Issued on November 15, 2020 at 6:45 A.M.
Issued by: Peter Dragunas, Water Management Technician
Catfish Creek Conservation Authority
(519) 773-9037

Effective immediately, the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority (CCCA) is issuing a Watershed Condition Statement for the shoreline of Lake Erie within CCCA’s administrative boundary.

A Continued Wind Warning Alert for Lake Erie has been issued by Environment Canada on November 15, 2020 at 2:15 a.m.  Damaging winds expected today and tonight.  Southerly winds with gusts of 60 to 80 km/h (37 to 50 mi/h) this morning. Winds will then shift to very strong south westerlies with gusts of 90 to 110 km/h (56 to 68 mi/h) beginning this afternoon. The strongest wind gusts are expected to be along the shores of eastern Lake Erie and eastern Lake Ontario. Winds are expected to ease by Monday morning.

Power outages are possible.  Damage to buildings, such as roof shingles and windows, may occur. High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break.

Lake Erie water elevation observed at Port Stanley at 5:00 AM; 1.24m above chart datum (present Lake Erie water level 174.74m).

GALE WARNING in EFFECT

The Government of Canada Marine Forecast has issued a Gale Warning for the Lake Erie Eastern and Western Basins at 04:00 AM EDT 15 November 2020.

Winds

Today Tonight and Monday. Gale warning in effect. Wind southeast 30 knots (35 mi/h) increasing to south 40 (46 mi/h) this morning then veering to southwest 45 (52 mi/h) near noon. Wind veering to west 40 (46 mi/h) this evening then diminishing to west 30 (35 mi/h) late overnight. Wind backing to southwest 25 (29 mi/h) near noon Monday.

Waves

Today Tonight and Monday. Waves one and one half metres building to 2 to 3 early this morning and to 3 to 5 this afternoon. Waves subsiding to 2 to 3 overnight and to one and one half metres Monday evening.

A possible wave uprush of 177.34 metres elevation along the Waneeta Beach area, Port Bruce Provincial Park beach and the harbour areas has the potential to cause shoreline erosion.

Residents are asked to closely watch local conditions and take appropriate responsible action, and are urged to use caution and stay away from Lake Erie shoreline areas experiencing strong wave action and elevated water levels.  Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.

Municipal flood coordinators are asked to monitor road conditions along the lakeshore.

This Watershed Condition Statement is in effect until noon, Monday November 16, 2020.

This is a reminder to be diligent, and watch local weather conditions and to take appropriate action when circumstances require.

CCCA continues to monitor watershed conditions and will issue updates and recommendations when or if necessary.  CCCA always recommends taking any necessary precautions.