Lake Erie storm surge prompts state of emergency in Chatham-Kent
Water levels on Lake Erie are still at record highs for August.
A local state of emergency remains in effect parts of the community of Chatham-Kent, Ont., after storm surge from Lake Erie swamped some shoreline homes, though not all of those affected have chosen to leave their homes.
The municipality's mayor, Darrin Canniff, made the declaration early afternoon Tuesday, covering the Erie Shore Drive area, which has been closed from Bissnet Line to Erieau Road. On Wednesday, the emergency was kept in place, though officials said conditions had somewhat improved.
"The area is currently stable; the majority of water has drained and the lake is calm. Significant damage has occurred to the roadway, supporting slope and drain; we are assessing and organizing immediate repairs," the municipality said on its website Wednesday morning, adding the timing of repairs will be weather dependent.
The emergency declaration covered 40 properties, though Chatham-Kent police chief Gary Conn told a press conference Tuesday that 10 homeowners had opted to remain, though their power was to be cut off (according to CBC).
The extent of the shoreline flooding was extensive for some coastline properties, as you can see from the Facebook post below:
The conditions on the lake that have fuelled this situation are something of a perfect storm for shoreline homeowners.
To start with, water levels are high, an average of 175.03 metres for the month of August -- slightly higher than the previous August record of 174.95 metres set in 1986, and 7.62 cm above its all-time monthly record.
Add to that the strong wind gusts that the area is seeing, and the result is strong storm surge, with waves heights of around one and a half metres, though with higher potential. A bouy station near the flooded area recorded a wave height of 2.01 metres Tuesday morning.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority says winds will remain relatively stiff over much of the coming week.