Snow squall warning in effect

Environment Canada has issued a snow squall warning for Kingston and the area as of 11:48 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019.

The snow squalls off of Lake Ontario may continue until Wednesday, Jan. 30, Environment Canada said, and the Kingston-Odessa-FrontenacIslands areas will be affected, as well as the Napanee-Consecon and Picton-Sandbanks Park areas.

Snow squall warnings are issued when bands of snow form that produce intense accumulating snow or near zero visibility. The current snow squall warning is due to the following situation:

“A band of lake enhanced snow is moving through the Kingston area early this afternoon. This snow will be heavy at times resulting in periods of reduced visibility,” Environment Canada said in the warning.

“Cold southwest winds gusting to 60 km/h are expected to develop later today. Snow squalls off Lake Ontario should develop as a result. These snow squalls may affect portions of Prince Edward County and areas close to the Lake Ontario shoreline tonight and possibly into Wednesday.”

Snowfall amounts may reach 15 cm. Areas of blowing snow giving reduced visibility and blizzard-like effects are likely as well.

Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. Travel safely and avoid driving if possible.