News Summary
Rhode Island is bracing for a major nor’easter this Columbus Day weekend, with heavy rain, strong winds, and coastal flooding expected. The National Weather Service has issued storm and coastal flood watches, advising residents to prepare for hazardous conditions. Rain will begin Sunday morning, escalating through the day into Monday. Coastal areas may experience flooding and treacherous surf, while boating activities are strongly discouraged. Travelers should also be aware of potential road closures due to flooding.
Providence, Rhode Island – A major nor’easter is projected to significantly impact Rhode Island over the Columbus Day weekend, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the region. The National Weather Service has issued both a storm watch and a coastal flood watch for the Rhode Island coastline, warning residents to prepare for severe weather conditions.
Forecasts indicate that seas could reach heights between 12 to 17 feet along the coastline. Additionally, gale watches have been deployed for Narragansett Bay due to anticipated windy conditions that could pose dangers to marine activities. Experts from AccuWeather have highlighted the risk of flooding and treacherous surf conditions, advising caution for those in the affected areas.
Rain is expected to begin on Sunday morning, transitioning from partly sunny skies to intense downpours throughout the day. A peak in storm activity is likely to occur Sunday night into the Columbus Day holiday on Monday, with northeast winds sustained at speeds up to nearly 30 mph. Rain accumulation during the storm is expected to total between 1 to 2 inches.
Coastal flooding is a significant concern, with the potential for water to rise by 1 to 2 feet above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines starting Sunday morning and continuing through Monday night. The combination of rough surf and high tide could result in road splashover, posing hazards to motorists during these critical periods.
This weather pattern is predicted to have a substantial impact on boating activities, with warnings advising mariners to remain in port or adjust their routes. As conditions deteriorate, any boating trips are strongly discouraged.
On Monday, temperatures are forecasted to hover around 61 degrees, with sustained windy and rainy conditions persisting throughout the day. Travelers should anticipate disruptions, as potential road closures may arise due to flooding or hazardous conditions. Motorists are urged to exercise caution, refraining from driving around barricades or through unfamiliar depths of water.
The storm’s rainy spell is expected to extend beyond Monday, with precipitation likely to persist through Tuesday, and lingering showers may continue into Wednesday and Thursday. Residents are advised to stay informed on weather updates and prepare accordingly for adverse conditions.
This impending nor’easter serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of weather during the fall season. As the region braces for this potential storm, residents should prioritize safety and adhere to guidance from local authorities. Preparedness can significantly mitigate risks associated with severe weather.
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Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: Nor’easter Slamming State Over Long Weekend
- WPRI: Heavy Rain & Wind Expected to Hit Southern New England
- Providence Journal: Polar Vortex Stirring Up First Frost
- Wikipedia: Nor’easter
- Google Search: Rhode Island Weather
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
