The National Weather Service has issued the following special weather bulletin for the Niagara Falls area.
“This is a serious weather warning for the area. There has been major rainfall and winds of gusts of 60 mph with dangerous winds to be expected. The danger is still there, but we’ll be able to see through thick cloud that is now clearing and some of the fog that may be formed may get stronger as we approach. We’ve seen more tornados in the forecast so expect a significant number of tornados and a large number of flash flooding if it goes off.”
“With the snowpack at a significant low, we’re looking at a lot of freezing rain and maybe very heavy downpours. With the storm track moving over into Lake Ontario, we may have a chance at a snow day on Sunday.”
“We have a lot of moisture and cold water in the lake that could create some snow for the next couple of days.”
A number of warnings are in place for Lake Ontario.
There have been many calls by local residents.
“Don’t drive over or around lakes,” said Jim Dutton, with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
“You can easily get hurt if you’re not careful. And if you’re going to cross the Lake Ontario, be sure to drive with the right side facing the road – if you’re going to drive over a creek, for God’s sake – don’t go under them.”
“Warm, windy weather could be coming down the lake with possible heavy rain,” he said. “But there are some other warnings that we would like you to think about.”
If a person sees a large white cloud or mist roll from shore, be aware that this is a weather warning and the risk is increasing.
The Niagara Fire Department is advising residents to avoid the area around the Port Colborne dam. There has been snow accumulation and there are some areas in the area with heavy snow.
“If it is very windy, you might want to be aware of what the weather is like, how much snow is going to fall, so when you’re going out to your car, keep your windows closed.
“Be sure to keep an eye on the ground in case of a possible flash flood, as it can cause serious property damage,” said the Fire Chief.
“If a thunderstorm does develop and it does get to Lake Ontario,” the Water Quality Management Council says, “it could result in a significant number of people being at risk of serious health problems if untreated.”
A number of warnings have been issued by local and federal agencies, including the National Weather Service, National Parks Service, Ministry of Natural Resources and Ontario Provincial Police.
The following are the weather conditions for the Niagara Falls area today.
Wind:
Windy conditions are expected today and could be severe. The heaviest rain is expected for the next few days. Winds will continue to blow in from the south.
Thunderstorm:
The thunderstorms could cause power outages and power outages could last for days, depending on the direction.
