Rainfall forecast prompts special weather statement for Kingston area

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement, advising of significant rainfall for the Kingston area expected to begin late in the afternoon of Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023.

Specifically, the warning is issued for the Kingston, Odessa, Frontenac Islands, Napanee, Consecon, Picton, and Sandbanks Park areas.

The national weather agency noted rainfall may be heavy at times, and 15 to 25 mm are expected before the precipitation changes over to snow. Localized ponding may also occur, Environment Canada noted.

“Light showers and drizzle will give way to rain, heavy at times, late this afternoon and then change to snow by midnight. Note that the partially frozen ground may have a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall. A few centimetres of snow can be expected by Friday evening,“ the statement reads.

“Considerable uncertainty remains regarding the track of the Colorado low responsible for this rainfall. Should the track of this low change, rainfall amounts could also change.”

Environment Canada advises residents to consult their local Conservation Authority for information regarding flooding. Currently, Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA) has a water safety statement in effect.

The CRCA statement says that “elevated runoff from the forecast rain can be expected due to bare, frozen ground conditions,” but they do not expect to see widespread flooding from the incoming rainfall.