Strong wind warning, waterspout watch issued for eastern Lake Ontario

While fall has certainly arrived in Kingston and the area, that doesn’t mean an end to activity on local waterways. However, conditions for the first half of the week are not favourable for nautical navigators.

In the early morning hours of Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, Environment Canada issued both a strong wind warning and a waterspout watch for Eastern Lake Ontario. At 2:57 a.m., the national weather agency issued a waterspout watch, advising that “showers and thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts are expected” from Monday through Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022.

“Mariners are urged to take all necessary precautions and prepare for the possibility of waterspout activity. Postpone voyage or seek safe harbour, if possible,” Environment Canada said in the statement.

“Waterspouts are generally isolated in nature although they can also occur in families of two or more. Waterspouts are generally short-lived in nature, typically lasting 20 minutes or less.”

Minutes later, a strong wind warning was issued at 3:03 a.m. for the same region of the Great Lake, relaying that winds of up of 20 to 33 knots (approximately 37 to 57 km/hour), which are “occurring or expected to occur in the eastern Lake Ontario marine area.

Environment Canada advises mariners to monitor the local marine forecast, as well as the Canadian Coast Guard and Weatheradio stations.