Town Of South Kingstown: UPDATE 12:00pm SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2021 TROPICAL STORM RESPONSE

Press release from the Town of South Kingstown:

August 20, 2021

UPDATE: TROPICAL STORM HENRI - Sunday, August 22, Noon

As predicted Tropical Storm winds have downed trees and tree limbs across the town, blocking some roads. Emergency response crews, National Grid and Highway Crews are responding in priority order and as quickly as possible to address these issues. The Kingstown Police strongly urges the public to stay home and off the roads, for their own safety and the safety of first responders. Also as predicted, there are widespread power outages which will not be restored by National Grid until the storm winds subside.

The South Kingstown Emergency dispatch station is currently working to capacity responding to calls. The public is asked to refrain from contacting the police station for non-emergency purposes.

To Report Power Outages - National Grid is prepared to respond to a Type 3 event (predicting up to 20% power outage), with response crews staged at Ninigret Park in Charlestown to address the South County region. Grid crews cannot address power outages until wind speeds are under than 35mph. If you lose power you can report an outage online at https://www1.nationalgridus.com/outages or call 1-800-465-1212.

UPDATE: TROPICAL STORM HENRI - Sunday, August 22, 10:30am

The National Weather Service has downgraded Henri to a tropical storm however expected impacts remain unchanged. Significant wind and storm surge are forecast for Sunday, August 22nd throughout the day and into early Monday morning.

ALERT: Hurricane Henri - Sunday, August 22, 7am

The State of Rhode Island is under a Category one hurricane warning throughout the day and into Monday. Damaging winds, and life threatening storm surge of 3 to 5 ft. is expected along the coast. Residents should expect a prolonged weather event with widespread power outages. Storm surge at the immediate coast could cause roadways to be breached and become inaccessible to public safety and emergency services vehicles. Anyone located in a coastal area, particularly Middlebridge, Matunuck and Green Hill, should consider sheltering at an inland location for the duration of this storm. Residents should remain off the roads and stay sheltered inside until the storm has passed. The Red Cross Emergency Shelter is located at South Kingstown High School, 215 Columbia Street, Wakefield. Click Here for Google Maps directions

Hurricane Henri - Saturday, August 21, 2021 2:21pm

RIEMA/Red Cross Emergency Shelter Announcement

In advance of the arrival of Hurricane Henri, the American Red Cross and RI Emergency Management Agency will activate the State regional emergency shelter located at South Kingstown High School, 215 Columbia Street, South Kingstown, RI, on Saturday, August 21, by 8pm. Click here for full announcement

Hurricane Henri - Friday, August 20, 2021 6pm

The National Weather Service has updated its forecast for Hurricane Henri currently predicting a category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 74 mph within the next 24 to 36 hours. A storm surge is in effect for all coastal areas for the potential of 3-5 feet of inundation, erosion, and secondary road washouts.

For the most up to date forecast and advisories, please visit National Weather Service Hurricane

Click here for additional information related to Rhode Island’s emergency response

Prepare - Now is the time to prepare for this major weather event. Hurricane Action Checklist

Residents should take steps to:

• remove or secure all outdoor furnishings
• test and fill up generators
• check sump pumps
• charge laptops and other devices
• have supplies on hand: water, first aid kit, flashlights, tool kit, sanitation products
• have enough food supplies on hand for five days
• check prescriptions and refill if necessary
• check in with elderly neighbors

Sand Bags Available at Town Highway Garage - Residents can obtain sandbags at the entrance gate to the Town Highway Division Garage located at 134 Asa Pond Road, Wakefield. Bags and sand are available to the right of the gate area. Limit: ten bags per resident.

Town Facilities - The South Kingstown Town Beach will be closed effective 5pm on Saturday, August 21st and throughout the day on Sunday, August 22nd. The parking lot will be closed during this time. The public is urged to stay away from the water’s edge and not go in the water as the surf and rip currents will be significant during the build-up to and throughout the storm.

Regional Emergency Shelter - The State of Rhode Island and The Red Cross have announced that a regional emergency shelter will be opened at a time to be determined on Saturday evening, August 21st. South Kingstown High School (215 Columbia Street, Wakefield) is the designated regional shelter for the towns of South Kingstown, Narragansett and North Kingstown. The shelter will have Covid-19 protocols in place for staff, volunteers and guests. Please check back for updates on opening time.

Local Traffic Advisory- The South Kingstown Police Department will be monitoring traffic and parking activity on secondary roadways, especially in popular coastal areas south of Route 1. Temporary parking bans for some areas are expected to go into effect over the weekend. The public is urged to stay off the access roads leading to the shore to allow for local traffic activity.

The Parks and Recreation Department recommends that the public Avoid Use of William O'Neill Bike Path during and immediately following the hurricane so crews can remove any potentially dangerous storm debris and make it safe for all.

Evacuation Routes - The Town of South Kingstown has identified evacuation routes for residents and visitors in areas vulnerable to storm surge. For a map of evacuation routes please click here.

Power Outages - National Grid is prepared to respond to a Type 3 event (predicting up to 20% power outage), with response crews staged at Ninigret Park in Charlestown to address the South County region. Grid crews cannot address power outages until wind speeds are under than 35mph. If you lose power you can report an outage online at https://www1.nationalgridus.com/outages or call 1-800-465-1212.

Response to Downed Trees - The Town Highway Division staff will be dispatched to clear downed trees or tree limbs in order to keep roadways clear for public safety vehicles. If there are electrical lines down as a result of the tree damage, the tree cannot be removed until National Grid addresses the power lines.

Who to Contact - If the resources provided on this page do not answer your questions related to Hurricane Henri, and you must speak with someone, please contact the South Kingstown Police Department non-emergency line at 401-783-3321.

National Weather Service

This press release was produced by the Town of South Kingstown. The views expressed here are the author’s own.