State warning residents to prepare for severe weather

DOWNED TREES blocked Warwick Neck Ave. near the Aldrich Mansion in Warwick after Tuesday morning's storm ripped through the region with high winds. / PBN PHOTO/ROGER C. BERGENHEIM
DOWNED TREES blocked Warwick Neck Ave. near the Aldrich Mansion in Warwick after Tuesday morning's storm ripped through the region with high winds. / PBN PHOTO/ROGER C. BERGENHEIM

CRANSTON – Rhode Islanders are being urged to prepare for upcoming severe weather and to continue using caution in the wake of the severe thunderstorm that occurred early Tuesday morning.

The R.I. Emergency Management Agency, in a press release, said additional thunderstorms, with potential to be strong to severe and contain heavy rains, strong winds, hail, and frequent lightning, are anticipated to hit Rhode Island before 8 p.m.

RIEMA noted that Tuesday morning’s storm system, which hit between 6 and 7:30 a.m., created more than 123,000 power outages, as well as downed trees and flooded roads in some areas.

While damage assessments are still underway, the majority of the power outages occurred in the Cranston and Warwick area, RIEMA said.
National Grid, as of just before 5 p.m., was reporting 98,000 customers without power on its website, with most customers scheduled to have electricity restored either late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning.

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“I urge Rhode Islanders to continue to use caution on the roads, and to prepare for more severe weather later today,” Gov. Gina M. Raimondo said in a statement. “We still have folks without power across the state, and some roads are impassable due to flooding and fallen trees. We are coordinating closely with the state agencies and National Grid as they continue to work as quickly as possible to restore power and clean up debris, and I encourage everyone to follow their safety tips.”

Burlingame State Park in Charlestown does not have electricity, but does have water. No walk-ins are being allowed, the news release said.
Also drivers are asked to be on the lookout for blowing traffic control equipment, such as barrels, as well as traffic signals out due to power outages or on flash, along with flooded roads and debris in roadways.

The following are safety tips from Rhode Island State Officials:

  • Always assume that a downed wire is a live wire. Do not touch.
  • National Grid customers can report a downed wire or a power outage by calling (800) 465-1212. Do not call 911.
  • Avoid driving through flooded roads, as even a foot of water can cause a motorist to become stranded.
  • Photograph and record all property/vehicle damages and report to your insurance provider.
  • Before starting any cleanup work, survey the site for hazards (i.e. downed wires, leaning trees, hanging or broken limbs, etc.).
  • Never attempt to do tree work if electrical wires are an issue. Contact the utility company to remove the electrical wires.
  • Only work on the ground and always wear the proper protection.
  • Beware of trees and limbs under pressure. Trees that have twisted or fallen on top of each other can be under enormous pressure. Sudden release of this pressure with a chain saw or other tool may cause serious injury or death.
  • Before a power outage, turn refrigerators and freezers to the coldest setting.
  • Make sure you have food that does not require refrigeration or cooking.
  • During a power outage, avoid opening refrigerators and freezers.
  • If the power is out for more than four hours, throw away meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, eggs, deli items, and any leftovers in the refrigerator.
  • If the temperature in the freezer goes above 41 degrees, throw away any food that is in the freezer.
  • Many times, you cannot see, smell, or taste bacteria in food that could make you sick. When in doubt, throw it out.
  • DEM Environmental Police advise boaters to keep a watch on the weather forecast and be sure that their boats are secured.

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