Kingston slammed by extreme cold and snowstorm

Windchills near -42C and snowfall warning disrupted travel and local events.

Kingston was hit by severe winter weather over the weekend as extreme cold and a major snowstorm created hazardous conditions across the region.

Environment Canada issued an extreme cold warning as temperatures plunged and windchills dropped near -42 C, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Residents were advised to limit time outdoors and dress in warm layers.

Conditions worsened Sunday when a snowfall warning was issued, with heavy snow and strong winds reducing visibility and making roads slippery.

The Kingston Frontenacs were forced to rescheduled their Sunday away game against the Oshawa Generals due to unsafe travel conditions. That game has been rescheduled for this Tuesday night at 7:05 pm and you can listen to it on Upper Canada Fuel and Burner Frontenacs Hockey on New Country 98.9.

Officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel as snow and blowing snow continued to impact roads and sidewalks throughout the city.

City staff also opened a referral-based Overnight Warming Centre at Artillery Park Aquatic Centre over the weekend. It will remain open until Thursday.

The city said shelter operators and agencies worked closely together to help people experiencing homelessness move indoors during the extreme cold.

In addition to the temporary warming centre, Kingston continues to offer regular shelter, housing and support services year-round. These include adult, youth and family shelters, women’s shelters, health services and housing support programs.

More information about available homelessness services and warm-up locations can be found on the City of Kingston’s website.

Story by Alyssa Brush