Severe Thunderstorm Watch For All of Rhode Island

If you’re headed to Rhode Island College for the Prout softball game, or otherwise doing something outside, you might want to bring an umbrella and a poncho and anything else to protect yourself from the weather. (Leave the kite with the attached metal at home tonight.)

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for all of Rhode Island and the adjacent coastal waters until 10 p.m., according to the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency.

A lengthy organized squall line of thunderstorms extended from central New Hampshire to northwest Massachusetts and northwest Pennsylvania as of 3:50 p.m.

This line was moving to the southeast at 35 m.p.h. This line will bring with it the threat of damaging winds and large hail as it tracks through Rhode Island early this evening. 

The following times are approximate, but based on the current forward motion of the line, it should reach northwest RI around 5:30 p.m., Providence around 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and southeast Rhode Island at 8 p.m. or 9 p.m.  There is the possibility for scattered, individual severe storms ahead of the main line. 

The most intense thunderstorm cells could produce wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. and/or two-inch diameter hail.  The risk of tornado development is low.

Localized rainfall amounts of up to two inches may occur with these storms as they move through Rhode Island, bringing the threat of minor urban and poor drainage flooding. 

The RIEMA is monitoring the progression of the squall line, as if it becomes more east to west oriented as it moves through the state thunderstorms may move repeatedly over the same area. If this occurs, it would bring a threat of flash flooding. 

Release courtesy of RIEMA. The RIEMA is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state and local resources to protect the public during disasters and emergencies.  RIEMA helps develop plans for effective response to all hazards, trains emergency personnel, provides information to families and communities, and assists in recovery from disaster losses. You can learn more about RIEMA by visiting the RIEMA homepage at www.riema.ri.gov.

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