What To Know: Sandy Spits Out Dangerous Winds, Heavy Rains and High Seas on Monday

The effects from Hurricane Sandy are expected to hit Rhode Island on Monday morning, October 29th. The storm will not pass quickly – the effects of the storm may be felt through mid-week – please plan accordingly. This storm is expected to bring dangerous winds, heavy rains and extremely high seas to our area. Power outages are likely. 

Wind gusts could reach speeds in excess of 60 mph today, according to the National Weather Service station in Taunton. If you haven't already, please take steps to protect your home and your neighbors before the storm makes landfall. All outdoor objects, including trash cans, patio furniture and temporary signs, should be brought indoors or tied down. Homeowners should clear their property of all debris that could damage buildings in strong winds. Cars should be stored in the garage during the storm if possible.

High winds usually mean downed tree limbs and ultimately downed power lines. Keep an eye on where the outages are and find out how close you are to regaining electricity with National Grid's outage map.

Find the National Grid RI power outage map here.

You can also stay up-to-date by texting STORM to NGRID (64743) to get text alerts from National Grid.

Be wary of coastal roads, as large swells are expected to cause moderate to major coastal flooding throughout Tiverton and Little Compton According to the NWS, flooding will be worse than what residents experienced in Hurricane Bob in 1991.

"Sustained storm force winds with Hurricane force wind gusts combined with a storm surge of three to six feet will result in moderate to major coastal flooding at the times of high tide Monday into Tuesday morning," read the alert.

A Red Cross emergency shelter will be set up at the Tiverton Middle School for those that may need it beginning at 7 p.m. on Sunday night. 

Stay tuned to Patch for updates. 

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