Rainfall warning for Kingston and area

Environment Canada has issued a
Rainfall Warning for Kingston, Odessa, Frontenac Islands, Napanee, Consecon, Picton, and Sandbanks Park.

“Significant rainfall expected Thursday into Friday morning,” said the advisory, “persons in or near this area should be on the lookout for adverse weather conditions and take necessary safety precautions.”

According to Environment Canada, rain is forecast to develop over Eastern Ontario Thursday morning. This rain is then expected to continue through Thursday night. Total rainfall amounts of 30 to 50 mm are likely with this event.

By Friday morning, Christmas Day, the rain is expected to change to scattered flurries or periods of snow as temperatures drop to below the freezing mark. A few centimetres of snow will be possible.

This rain is associated with a strong low pressure system that will approach the area from the south on Thursday, says Environment Canada. According to the advisory, there remains some uncertainty as to the exact track of this low pressure system. Areas closer to and including Central Ontario may transition to snow earlier than currently forecast, changing associated precipitation amounts.

Environment Canada warns that localized flooding in low-lying areas is a possible as the frozen ground has a reduced ability to absorb rainfall.