Rhode Islanders should prepare for the impact of a storm moving along the coast that has already caused flooding in the mid-Atlantic Ocean.
“A coastal storm moving along the East Coast will bring steady rainfall, gusty winds in the northeast, minor coastal flooding and bluff and beach erosion to southern New England on Sunday and later Monday evening,” the National Weather Service wrote.
They continued to say that “fallen branches/trees, power lines and possible power outages” are potential impacts of this storm.
A gale warning, gale warning, coastal flood warning, high wind warning and wind advisory have been issued for parts of Rhode Island in connection with the storm over the holiday weekend.
Here's what you need to know.
What warning has been issued in Rhode Island?
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When will the rain come here?
Southern New England is expected to start feeling the impact of the storm late Sunday evening, the National Weather Service said. The “heaviest and heaviest rain” is expected from Sunday night into Monday morning, with the storm coming from the south and moving north.
However, according to the Forecaster's Discussion, it is possible for scattered rainfall to begin in the late morning.
“The heaviest impacts from this coastal storm are expected tonight through Monday. This is the period when we could see 1 to 3 inches of rain, especially in RI and eastern MA,” the discussion said. “The longer duration is important because it is unlikely to lead to significant flooding. The exception to this is clogged storm drains that could potentially lead to flooding with poor drainage.”
There is a chance of thunder on Monday.
A nor'easter is forecast to develop off the southeastern coast of the United States and move northward along the Mid-Atlantic coast through Sunday, October 12, bringing a dangerous combination of both salt and freshwater flooding in addition to gusty winds and rain, according to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center.
When will Massachusetts start experiencing wind? Where will it be the worst?
According to the National Weather Service, northeasterly winds are expected to increase around noon on Sunday and continue blowing until noon on Monday.
A high wind warning has been issued for Block Island from 5pm on Sunday until 2pm on Monday. Maximum wind gusts on the island are expected to be close to 100 km per hour, with steady northeasterly winds of 40 to 55 km per hour.
“Stay on the lower levels of your home during the storm and avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution if you must drive,” the advisory said.
Strong winds are also forecast along the coast, with Westerly possibly experiencing gusts of up to 60 km per hour and Newport experiencing winds of up to 63 km per hour. Further inland the wind will be less intense. The National Weather Service predicts Providence will see a maximum wind gust of 30 mph.
The National Weather Service predicts the Cape and Islands will experience the strongest winds during this storm.
Where will it flood? When is a flood expected?
Much of Rhode Island's coastline is vulnerable to coastal flooding from this storm. An advisory was issued for Washington and Newport counties on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Up to one meter above ground level flooding is expected in low-lying areas near coastlines and tidal waterways,” the advisory said. Impacts could include “flooding of properties, parks and roads, with only isolated road closures expected.”
Floods are most likely during high tide.
The National Weather Service reminded motorists not to drive through standing water.
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This article originally appeared in The Providence Journal: The weather in RI is set to deteriorate as a strong coastal storm hits Sunday and Monday
