State agencies spent Friday preparing for a nor’easter expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and coastal flooding to Rhode Island through the weekend.
Gov. Dan McKee was joined at a briefing by Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency Director Marc Pappas, interim Department of Transportation Director Bob Rocchio and Rhode Island Energy President Greg Cornett.
“RIEMA has been staying in regular contact with local emergency managers and public safety partners, while RIDOT has been preparing roads and crews for heavy rain and flooding,” McKee said. “Rhode Islanders should stay informed, and if you must be on the roads during heavy rain, use extra caution and never drive through flooded roadways.”
The forecast for Newport calls for rain chances of 69 percent Friday, 75 percent Saturday and 65 percent Sunday, with temperatures in the low to mid 60s throughout.
RIDOT has been inspecting roads and cleaning catch basins, and has readied chippers, chainsaws and generators. Project managers are reviewing storm preparations with road and bridge contractors to check drainage and erosion controls and secure anything that could move in high winds. Crews can be called in through the weekend for street flooding or downed trees.
Rhode Island Energy said it is fully staffed with additional crews ready. Outages can be reported at rienergy.com/outage, by texting OUTAGE to 743674, or by calling 1-855-743-1101. Texting STATUS to the same number returns the status of an existing outage.
RIEMA is advising residents to secure outdoor items, charge phones, check emergency supplies and medications, make sure they can receive weather alerts, and check on neighbors, particularly older adults.
“A few simple steps taken now can make a big difference when severe weather arrives,” Pappas said.
Four Providence shelters are extending hours through the weekend with no referral needed: Crossroads at 160 Broad St., Mathewson Street Church at 134 Mathewson St. and Emmanuel House at 239 Public St. are open around the clock through Sunday, and Providence Rescue Mission at 627 Cranston St. is open through Monday.
