Get out your umbrellas and raincoats, Kingston and the area are in for a wet and wild 24 hours!

Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning, predicting heavy rainfall for tonight and tomorrow, August 9, 2024.

The national weather agency is forecasting total rainfall amounts of 50 to 75 mm, with locally higher amounts possible. This deluge is due to a low pressure system interacting with the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall to eastern Ontario.

The rainfall warning is in effect for the Kingston, Odessa, and Frontenac Islands areas, as well as Brockville-Prescott, Gananoque-Mallorytown, Plevna-Sharbot Lake-Western Lanark County, Renfrew-Arnprior-Calabogie, Smiths Falls-Perth-Eastern Lanark County, and Tamworth-Sydenham-South Frontenac.

Be prepared for flash floods, water pooling on roads, and localized flooding in low-lying areas. Stay informed by checking the Environment Canada website for updates. For information on flooding, consult your local Conservation Authority, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry office, or visit Ontario.ca/floods for the latest details.

The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA) has also issued a water safety statement for inland lakes and streams. With a forecasted range of 40 – 100 mm+ rainfall for August 8 – 10, quantity and intensity are expected to be very unpredictable.

The CRCA advises caution around all dams, fast-flowing watercourses, and stormwater ponds. Respect warning signs, stay away from booms, buoys, and barriers, and keep a safe distance from the water’s edge above and below dams and hydroelectric stations. Creek banks and lake shorelines may be slippery, increasing the chance of falling in.

Widespread flooding is not expected at this time, but localized inundation of low-lying and poorly drained areas is possible. If you witness flooding and/or require assistance, your first point of contact is the local municipality.

The CRCA will continue to monitor conditions, and the current watershed conditions statement will remain in effect until Monday, August 12, 2024, at 11:59 a.m.