Coastal Storm Could Hit RI To End The Week: What To Expect

RHODE ISLAND — After a few false alarms, Rhode Island could see some significant snow to end the week.

The National Weather Service is eyeing a coastal winter storm that could hit the region at the end of the week or over the weekend. This far out, it's hard to predict specifics, but here's what they know so far.

The storm is expected to arrive Friday night into Saturday morning, with "astronomical" tides rising starting Friday. It's expected to move from south to north, sweeping a low-pressure system from the southeastern coast up towards New England.

At this time, several questions remain unanswered, NWS said, namely what kind of precipitation Rhode Island and the surrounding area can expect to see, and, if there is snow, how much accumulation is likely. High wind gusts and coastal flooding are also a possibility.

The NWS encouraged Rhode Islanders to monitor the forecast closely throughout the week, checking back for updates as more information becomes available.

"Consider alternate plans for any planned activities Friday through Saturday night," NWS said.

Here's a look at the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

Monday
Partly sunny, with a high near 34. North wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable.

Monday Night
Snow likely, mainly after 1 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 29. Southeast wind around 6 mph becoming southwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Tuesday
A chance of snow before 9 a.m., then a slight chance of rain between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. South wind 6 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 18. Northwest wind 5 to 7 mph.

Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 25. Northwest wind 7 to 14 mph.

Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 6. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light north after midnight.

Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 27. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. Southwest wind around 6 mph.

Friday
A chance of rain between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., then a chance of snow after 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Friday Night
Snow likely, mainly after 1 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 23. Blustery, with a north wind 9 to 14 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Saturday
Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31. Blustery, with a northwest wind 20 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 14. Northwest wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 30. West wind 9 to 15 mph.