Risk of more flooding, power outages as storm moves through
ROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Flooding issues caused by recent storms were exacerbated by more heavy rainfall overnight.
While the storm is winding down, it left behind flooded roads, wind damage and power outages, mainly in communities closer to the coast.
Stay with 12 News and WPRI.com for coverage throughout this morning’s storm.
What’s the forecast?
Meteorologist Steven Matregrano says the heaviest of the rain moved through early Saturday morning, along with gusty winds. The strongest gusts recorded so far were 63 mph in Westerly and 56 mph in Warwick.
A River Flood Warning, Coastal Flood Warning, Flood Watch, and Wind Advisory remain in effect for the majority of our area.
What are the impacts?
The strong winds have caused scattered power outages, with about 10,000 Rhode Island Energy customers and another 1,600 National Grid customers in Massachusetts losing electricity as of 10 a.m. Check our Power Outage Database for updates and other important information.
If you experience an outage, report it to your utility provider:
- Rhode Island Energy: 1-855-743-1102
- Eversource: 1-800-592-2000
- National Grid: 1 (800) 465-1212
- Pascoag Utility District: (401) 568-6222
- Block Island Utility District: (401) 466-5851
While river levels have been dropping, the added rain worsened the conditions in flood-prone areas. There are reports of street flooding across Southern New England, while waves are battering the coastline.
The city of Providence said crews are responding to flooding in several areas, including Branch Avenue, Valley Street, Charles/West River streets and Hartford/Pocasset avenues. Drivers should avoid the area if possible.
In Bristol, a tree uprooted and came down across Mullberry Road, landing on power lines. Rhode Island Energy said it had to shut off power to nearby homes before they could clear it.