RI Officials Urge Residents To Prepare For Tropical Storm Henri

CRANSTON, RI – State officials are encouraging Rhode Islanders to be prepared to shelter in place this weekend as Tropical Storm Henri is expected to make landfall on Sunday.

At a news conference Friday afternoon Gov. McKee warned of heavy rainfall, storm surge and flooding. McKee has also signed an emergency declaration, which allows the National Guard to be activated.

"As a former mayor, I know exactly how importance close communication and partnership from the state are at times like this," he said.

National Grid is preparing 1,000 field personnel to respond during and after the storm. Outages and restoration estimates will be communicated via the National Grid website.

"This is an ever-evolving situation and we will inform the public as the situation changes – and it has changed very dramatically over the last 24 hours," said Emergency Management Director Marc Pappas.

Pappas said the storm is expected to linger over the state, dropping up to 8 inches of rain. FEMA will be providing swift water rescue teams to the state. Those teams are expected to arrive on Saturday.

State beaches and parks will be open on Saturday, but will be closed on Sunday and likely Monday as well, McKee said, depending on the extent of storm damage. Officials will be closely monitoring for strong rip currents along the coast.

"Rhode Island has often experienced needless tragedy during storms when wave watchers and anglers who have climbed onto rocks near the shore get hit by waves and quickly swept out to deep water and drown," McKee said.

The National Weather Service on Friday issued a hurricane watch for several areas of Rhode Island and southern New England. The hurricane watch was issued for Kent, Block Island, Bristol, Newport, and Washington.

The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it heads north on Friday and is expected to make landfall near Newport on Sunday evening, possibly as a Category 1 hurricane.

The National Weather Service said Henri is expected to weaken rapidly after making landfall but will remain in the area through Monday.

Residents are advised to prepare for life-threatening winds with extensive impact across Rhode Island. Potential impacts include roof damage to sturdy buildings, severe damage to mobile homes and damage from airborne objects.

The high winds also bring the potential for large trees to be snapped or uprooted, and fences and roadway signs could be blown over.

Residents are also warned to be aware of life-threatening surge, which could cause damage to buildings along the coast, major beach erosion and strong rip currents.

The National Weather Service advises Rhode Island residents to listen to local officials for recommended preparedness action, including possible evacuation.

Visitors are advised to know the name of the county in which they are located and where it is in relation to current watches and warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask management staff about their onsite disaster plan.

For visitors to Block Island, those who are leaving the island or arriving for a vacation stay will still have access to the island. Those who are hoping to do a day trip to Block Island are encouraged to reschedule their trip.

The Rhode Island Red Cross is working with state partners to open several regional shelters. Shelters are located at Cumberland High School in Cumberland; Joseph Gaudet Middle School in Middletown; South Kingstown High School in Kingstown; Providence Career Technical Academy in Providence; and Chariho Middle School in Wood River Junction.

For more information, visit weather.gov.