Severe thunderstorm warning for Kingston and area

Environment Canada has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Kingston and area this afternoon and into the evening, with risk of tornado for some parts of Southern Ontario, west of our region.

The Severe Thunderstorm Warning includes Kingston, Odessa, Frontenac Islands, Napanee, Consecon, Picton and Sandbanks Park.

Environment Canada says the severe thunderstorms may be capable of producing strong wind gusts and heavy rains, as a cold front continues tracking across Southern Ontario.

Wind gusts near 100 km/hr are expected and there is a risk of tornadoes, according to the national weather service.

The risk of thunderstorm are greatest throughout the afternoon, before weakening and moving east of the area this evening.

Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles.

Severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes, and lightning kills and injures Canadians every year.

Severe thunderstorm warnings 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.