RI Nor'Easter Timeline: When Treacherous Storm Will Peak

NEWPORT, RI — Tuesday night will be the worst of an autumn nor'easter settling over Rhode Island. Strong winds, heavy rainfall and a dangerous surf are the chief concerns for forecasters.

The rain has already started, though it is no longer widespread Tuesday morning. It will intensify throughout the afternoon, peaking Tuesday night. The evening commute is expected to be a troublesome one. Rain will start tapering off mid-Wednesday morning.

In all, 4-6 inches of rain are expected in the hardest-hit areas of the state.

Wind could be the most treacherous part of the storm. Gusts will be at their worst Tuesday into Wednesday, potentially reaching as high as 70 miles per hour.

Power outages will be a real threat over the next 24 hours. A high wind warning will be in effect from 2 p.m. Tuesday to 2 p.m. Wednesday.

"Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines," the National Weather Service said. "Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles."

Temperatures will be far too high for any snow, but that's not always the case this time of year. In late October 2020, Rhode Island saw its first flakes of the season just before Halloween.

Patch editor Mike Carraggi contributed to this report.