Environment Canada predicts intense weather for Kingston and area

While Kingston and the immediate surrounding area have been issued a severe thunderstorm watch by Environment Canada, those areas to the north – including parts of Frontenac, Lanark, and Lennox & Addington Counties – have been issued a tornado watch by the national weather agency.

At approximately 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Kingston, Odessa, Napanee, Frontenac Islands, Picton, and Sandbanks Park.

“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain,” Environment Canada said, noting that hazardous wind gusts up to 100 km/h are possible, as are toonie-to-golf-ball-size hail and localized heavy downpours.

The storms are predicted to begin in the afternoon and continue into the evening.

“Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Water-related activities may be unsafe due to violent and sudden gusts of wind over bodies of water,” Environment Canada said.

“Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!”

Meanwhile, a tornado watch has been issued for Bancroft, Kaladar, Gananoque, Mallorytown, Westport,  Plevna, Sharbot Lake, Western Lanark County, Perth, Eastern Lanark County, Tamworth, Sydenham, and South Frontenac Township.

“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms which may produce tornadoes. Strong winds, large hail and heavy rain are also possible” the tornado watch for Tamworth, Sydenham, and South Frontenac reads.

Also beginning late this afternoon and carrying on into this evening, the storm cells pose a tornado risk, and may also produce toonie-to-golf-ball-size hail. Localized heavy downpours are another hazard associated with the forecast.

“This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation,” Environment Canada said in the tornado watch.

“In the event of a tornado, or if a tornado warning is issued for your area, it is recommended you take the following actions: Go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet. Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelter, and move to a strong building if you can. As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris.”

To keep up with the latest forecasts as well as alerts, visit the Environment Canada Weather Alerts page. Click on “ON” for the active alerts in Ontario and scroll down to find your local area.