WARWICK, RI — The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for Rhode Island ahead of an expected 4 to 5 in. of rainfall caused by Tropical Depression Erin this afternoon into Thursday morning.
According to today’s NWS forecast, “bands of showers with torrential rainfall” should begin after 1 p.m. today, with the potential for flooding across the state.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected before 5 p.m. this afternoon, with a 90-percent chance of rainfall, increasing to 100 percent Thursday morning, before clearing by afternoon with temperatures in the low 80s.
Because of an expected storm surge from Erin, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is also warning people to stay away from breakers and exercise caution along the shoreline during the next few days.
Citing NWS, the state agency noted that the storm could bring waves of 3 to 5 ft. and cause dangerous rip currents along south-facing beaches in Charlestown, Narragansett, and Westerly over the next several days.
The next chance of rain is a 30-percent chance of precipitation on Sunday afternoon, according to the NWS 7-day forecast.
Below, we’ve listed important resources and telephone numbers you might need during and after the storm:
Emergency Alerts:
RIBA – Make sure you’re signed up for text alerts from the Rhode Island Broadcasters Association. You’ll get emergency notifications (including city parking bans and business closures) direct to your phone or email.
CodeRED – The City of Warwick has instituted a new rapid emergency notification service called CodeRED®, which distributes emergency messages via telephone to targeted areas or the entire city. | Register for CodeRED here
TF Green Airport – As of 11 a.m. Wednesday morning, only one flight out of Green was reported as delayed, with the rest on time. | Check arrivals and departures at TF Green Airport
Emergency Calls:
- In an emergency, dial 911
- Police Department: 401-468-4200
- Fire Department: (401) 468-4000
- Highway Dept./Snow removal – 401-738-2000 ext. 6518
- Do NOT call 911 to report a power outage. Contact National Grid at 1-800-465-1212. Smartphone users can also text STORM to NGRID (64743) for outage alerts. | Visit National Grid Outage Central for Rhode Island
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