Updated to snowfall warning: Special weather statement in effect for Kingston area

UPDATE (4:45 p.m.):

The special weather statement issued earlier today by Environment Canada has been upgraded to a snowfall warning.

The total potential snowfall amount and timing remain the same, and the national weather agency added that peak snowfall rates of 1 to 3 cm per hour can be expected between the afternoon/evening of Thursday, Dec. 15 and the evening of Friday, Dec. 16, 2022.

“Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions,” Environment Canada said in the updated alert. “Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop.”

Original article:

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the Kingston area, advising of the potential for 15 to 20 cm of snow to fall by Friday night.

On Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, at 2:19 p.m., the national weather agency issued the statement, which is in effect for Kingston, Odessa, Frontenac Islands, Napanee, Consecon, Picton, and Sandbanks Provincial Park, and states that heavy snow is expected to begin in the late afternoon, or in the night on Thursday, Dec. 15, and carry through into Friday, Dec. 16, 2022. The agency noted that reduced visibility may occur in heavy snow.

“Hazardous travel conditions due to heavy snow and reduced visibility, particularly late Thursday night through Friday. The Thursday evening commute may be significantly impacted. Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve,” Environment Canada said.

Kingston residents are reminded that the City of Kingston issues on-street parking bans when plowing and salting are required. To see if an on-street parking ban is in place, visit the City of Kingston’s Winter Parking page.