Flood Warning Issued For Providence County

PROVIDENCE, RI — A flood warning has been issued for Providence County as the National Weather Service reports between 3 and 4.5 inches of rain have already fallen on the area.

The warning was issued around 3:30 p.m., and will remain in effect until 6:45 p.m., according to the NWS.

Flooding is already causing traffic issues, as the Rhode Island Department of Transportation reports that all lanes of travel are blocked on I-195 westbound at exit 2 in East Providence.

NWS officials report that thunderstorms bringing heavy rains to the area are likely to cause flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone areas.

This includes cities like: Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, East and North Providence, Cumberland, Johnston, Smithfield, Lincoln and Central Falls.

Here's tonight's weather forecast:

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10 p.m., then a slight chance of showers between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Light south wind. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

After today, however, the forecast brightens up. Here's what the rest of the week looks like:

Wednesday — Sunny with a high near 85, then clear skies at night with a low of 66.

Thursday — Sunny with a high around 85, then mostly clear skies at night with a low of 68.

Friday — Mostly sunny with a high of 84. At night, expect a low of around 65.

Saturday — Mostly sunny with a high of about 82. At night, expect partly cloudy skies and a low of 64.