Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Kingston and area

UPDATE (Friday, Aug. 21, 2020 at 2:38 p.m.): Environment Canada has now upgraded this to a severe storm warning.

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

Original article:

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Kingston and the area as of 2:12 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020.

In effect for the Kingston, Odessa, Frontenac Islands, Napanee, Consecon, Picton and Sandbanks Park areas, the notice advises that conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts and large hail.

The statement warns that nickle-sized hail and damaging wind gusts up to 90 km/h are possible. The national weather agency advises that thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon over the area and persist 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. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors,” Environment Canada said in the statement.

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