Winter storm warning for Kingston and area

Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning in effect for Kingston, Odessa, Frontenac Islands, Napanee, Consecon, Picton and Sandbanks Park, with a winter storm expected late Wednesday.

The national weather service is forecasting snow and ice pellets, with total amounts nearing 15 cm.

“Accumulations may be lower in areas toward Lake Ontario that experience a greater period of mixing with ice pellets and freezing rain,” Environment Canada said. “Light ice accretion is possible, especially toward Lake Ontario.”

According to Environment Canada, light snow will become heavy at times early Wednesday evening, turning into a mix of snow, ice pellets and freezing rain on Wednesday night. The wintry mix is expected to taper off Thursday morning to a risk of patchy freezing drizzle.

“Another wintry mix of precipitation is possible Thursday afternoon into Thursday evening,” Environment Canada continued.

“Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas,” the advisory warned. “There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop. Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight.”