East Providence, with remnants from Hurricane Erin expected to have impacts on the weather forecast, RIEMA is sharing information with the community to note:
General Safety:
Stay Out of the Water: Swimming, surfing, and other water activities are prohibited due to life-threatening rip currents and dangerous surf.
Stay Off the Coastline: Residents and visitors should avoid all shoreline areas, including rocky outcrops and jetties, as rogue waves can easily sweep people into the water.
Heed Warnings: Pay close attention to warning flags at state beaches and follow all instructions from lifeguards and other officials.
Preparedness & Property:
Secure Outdoor Items: All outdoor furniture, trash bins, and decorations should be secured or brought indoors to prevent them from becoming projectiles in high winds.
Boating Safety: Boaters safely moor your vessels and secure all paddle craft.
Anticipated Impacts (Wednesday - Saturday)
While Hurricane Erin is forecasted to remain well offshore, its size and strength will create significant and hazardous conditions for the state.
Coastal Waters: The most immediate and critical threat is the development of life-threatening surf and rip currents, particularly on southern-facing beaches. This hazard is expected to persist through Friday and potentially into the weekend.
Waves: The storm will generate powerful waves that will break larger and farther onshore than normal. Wave heights could reach 10 to 15 feet in the surf zone, posing a significant danger to anyone near the shoreline.
Coastal Flooding: The combination of high surf and waves may cause localized coastal flooding and beach erosion. Seawater could inundate vulnerable shoreline areas and low-lying roads. The chance of strong Rip currents will increase.
Wind: While direct tropical storm-force winds are not expected, gusty winds may be present, which could cause minor damage.
Marine Services: The dangerous marine conditions have already led to the suspension of some local fishing charters and ferry services, including to Block Island.
Weather Forecast Today through Thursday with High Confidence .
Large Southerly swell from Hurricane Erin will result in seas to 7 ft today and up to 10 ft by tonight. This will continue to ramp up through Mid-week.
For this reason, small Craft Advisories will remain in effect across the southern waters through tonight.
A high Surf Advisory also remains in effect for southern coastal areas, including the Cape and Islands.
Rip currents will become a significant concern as the week goes on with elevated Surf. A Gale warning has been hoisted starting tomorrow due to the risk for gusts 40 kts as
