Strong winds a concern for Lake Erie property owners

The Essex Region Conservation Authority says that the heavy winds hitting the region on Thursday may cause issues for people who live along the shores of Lake Erie.

Tim Byrne, the director of watershed management for ERCA, said that the winds have been gusty, with some gusts of wind topping the 80 km/h mark.

"There's not a real, easily-measured, constant wind speed. It's up and down, up and down significantly,"he told CBC News in a telephone interview on Thursday.

The conservation authority says the winds may cause soil loss and erosion near the shore's edge, with the winds carrying some spray from the lake onto land. In some cases, breakwall damage may be possible.

Parts of Leamington, Kingsville and the Township of Pelee are places where this may be an issue in particular.

Byrne said the conditions are of greatest concern for homeowners whose properties are located within 15 metres of a breakwall. He said these homes "will receive significant splash and spray and wave overtopping."

Environment Canada says the winds blowing across Windsor and Essex are expected to continue through much of Thursday.