Deluge Brings Wind, Coastal Flood Advisories for RI

RHODE ISLAND—Drenching rain, strong wind and an astronomical high tide has raised the risk of coastal flooding and damage Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service.

Much of Rhode Island has seen heavy downpours through the day on Thursday, causing ponding on the roads and slowing travel.

A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect until midnight with the bulk of concern centered around high tide between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. tonight.

Minor coastal flooding, which typically means minor flooding of coastal roads and ocean splashover against sea walls and rocks, is possible for most of Narragansett Bay.

Newport, Narragansett and other ocean-exposed coastline is especially vulnerable and moderate coastal flooding is possible, the weather service said.

The effects will be amplified because of the new moon in the sky behind the storm clouds that will end up pouring upwards of two inches of rain across the state before departing.

Meanwhile, a Wind Advisory is in effect for all of Rhode Island. Gusts could reach 50 mph. The advisory remains in effect until midnight.

Poor visibility on the roads has caused numerous crashes and disabled vehicles, along with temporary road and exit closures. Exit 1 on Interstate 95 was completely flooded at around 4:30 p.m., according to the state police. Most of the flooding problems so far have been isolated and temporary, typically clearing up after a letup in the rain gives drains time to catch up.

This storm comes on the heels of a snowstorm that ended up dumping an average of five inches of snow on Rhode Island on Sunday. And more snow is in the forecast on Saturday, though the exact nature of the storm is still not clear.