Dangerous mix of ice, rain and high winds targets Kingston region

Wintery mix likely to make travel challenging

Residents in the Kingston area are being urged to prepare as a series of yellow weather warnings take effect, bringing freezing rain, heavy rainfall and strong winds. Environment Canada says the combination of conditions could create widespread hazards from Sunday afternoon into Monday.

Forecasters warn that freezing rain could lead to icy roads and walkways, with ice build-up of five to 15 millimetres possible. The freezing rain is expected to continue overnight before briefly changing to rain Monday morning as temperatures rise above zero. Prolonged power outages and damage to trees or structures are possible due to the weight of the ice.

At the same time, rainfall totals of 15 to 30 millimetres are expected, combined with melting snow and frozen ground that cannot absorb water. Pooling water, localized flooding and washouts near creeks and culverts are possible.

Strong southwesterly winds are also forecast for Monday, with gusts reaching up to 100 kilometres per hour, especially near Lake Ontario. Utility outages and property damage are possible.

The warnings are in effect for Kingston, Odessa and the Frontenac Islands. Residents are advised to secure loose items and continue monitoring weather alerts.