Tropical Storm Andrea Expected to Bring Downpours Friday

The first tropical system of the hurricane season is headed toward Southern New England.

Tropical Storm Andrea is expected to make landfall in Florida Thursday evening before speeding up the coast to New England on Friday.

Andrea is bringing tropical downpours and lightning to the Gulf region though the winds are not packing much of a punch at this point, according to Channel 7 meteorologist Pete Bouchard.

The current forecast shows Andrea hitting the area from Friday afternoon to Saturday morning. Southern New England, including RI, could get up to three inches of rain out of Andrea.

According to the National Weather Service, heavy rainfall is expected in and around Coventry Friday afternoon before tapering off to showers in the early morning hours of Saturday. Rainfall amounts of 1.5 to 3 inches are expected, with some areas receiving up to 4 inches.

The NWS report also calls for a moderate probibility that a flood watch will be needed for parts of the region, and warns of possible urban, street and poor drainage flooding. Small streams and faster responding rivers may also see some flooding as this system works through.