Environment Canada has issued a strong wind warning for Eastern Lake Erie near Port Colborne, Ontario, today, June 22, 2026. Northeast winds are expected to reach 20 knots near noon, with waves building to one metre, making for hazardous conditions on the water through this evening.
The warning means winds will be between 20 and 33 knots, a range that can be dangerous for small boats. According to Environment Canada, winds will pick up from 15 knots this morning, peak at 20 around noon, then ease back to 15 by evening. Waves are forecast to drop to half a metre or less late overnight.
This type of warning is part of Environment Canada’s marine weather program for the Great Lakes, which runs from May 1 to November 30 each year to cover the busy recreational boating season. The current conditions are being driven by a low-pressure system over Ohio that is expected to move to the Eastern Seaboard by Tuesday.
For boaters in Port Colborne, a hub for both commercial shipping and summer recreation, the warning means it’s best to stay off the lake until conditions improve. The Sugarloaf Harbour Marina, which has around 700 slips and is home to the Sugarloaf Sailing Club, sees heavy use this time of year. Winds of 20 knots, or about 37 km/h, can quickly create rough waters that are unsafe for smaller vessels.
