PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for much of Rhode Island as heavy rain moves across the state Monday morning, bringing the risk of rapidly developing flooding.
According to the National Weather Service in Norton, the warning remains in effect until 11:45 a.m. It includes Providence County, Kent County, northwestern Bristol County, and northeastern Washington County.
Forecasters said Doppler radar detected intense rainfall around 8:15 a.m., with rain falling at rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour near the Providence area. Those rainfall rates could continue for an hour or more.
As a result, flash flooding is possible on roads, highways, underpasses, small streams, and other low-lying or poor drainage areas.
Communities expected to be affected include Providence, Cranston, Warwick, Pawtucket, East Providence, Woonsocket, Coventry, Cumberland, North Providence, West Warwick, Johnston, North Kingstown, Smithfield, Lincoln, and Central Falls.
Drivers urged to use caution
Residents are urged to use caution while traveling and never drive through flooded roadways.
The National Weather Service reminds motorists to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” noting that most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.
Small Craft Advisory also in effect
A Small Craft Advisory remains in effect until 5 p.m. for Rhode Island’s coastal waters and Narragansett Bay.
South winds of 10 to 20 knots, with gusts up to 30 knots, and seas of 2 to 4 feet are expected, creating hazardous conditions for smaller vessels.
Have photos or videos of flooding? Feel free to send them our way, but please make safety your top priority. Never enter flooded areas or drive through standing water to capture photos or video.
Source: National Weather Service – Norton, Massachusetts.
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