Snow squalls expected for Kingston area

Update (3:05 p.m): Environment Canada has now issued a snow squall warning for the area, as the band of snow squalls discussed below has moved in faster than anticipated.

Original article:

Environment Canada has issued a snow squall watch for Kingston and the area on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020.

According to the national weather agency, brief, intense snowfall is expected to develop. The snow squall watch is in effect for the Kingston, Odessa, Frontenac Islands, Napanee, Consecon, Picton, and Sandbanks Park areas.

The snow squalls are expected late this afternoon and into the evening, and visibilities will be significantly reduced due to the heavy snow combined with blowing snow.

“A well organized snow squall originating from Lake Huron will move across the area late this afternoon into this evening. At this point, it seems very likely this band will impact the afternoon and evening commute for areas near the north shore of Lake Ontario. Areas further east along the St. Lawrence River might also be impacted as well,” Environment Canada said.

The band is capable of producing quick accumulations of 2 to 5 cm in an hour along with sudden reductions to near zero visibility in heavy snow. Because of this, Environment Canada suggests postponing any non-essential travel until conditions improve, as travel may be hazardous.