Severe storm warning issued for Kingston and area

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Kingston and the area as of 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, Jul. 11, 2019.

The warning was issued for Kingston, Odessa, Frontenac Islands, Napanee, Consecon, Picton and Sandbanks Park.

” Persons in or near this area should be on the lookout for adverse weather conditions and take necessary safety precautions,” Environment Canada said in the warning.

This warning comes after Environment Canada placed the area on a severe thunderstorm watch earlier in the day, indicating that “conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts of 100 km/h, large hail and heavy rain.”

“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,” the national weather agency said. “Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!”

Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.

The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.