Dangerous Wind, Heavy Rain To Slam RI Tonight, Monday

Potentially dangerous wind and heavy rain are expected to batter the Rhode Island coast overnight and through the beginning of the week as a nor’easter makes its way toward the state, according to authorities.

Total rainfall amounts of 2-3 inches are expected through Tuesday, according to an area forecast discussion by the National Weather Service.

A gale warning is in effect until 2 p.m. Monday for Narragansett Bay.

“Strong winds will cause hazardous waves which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility,” according to the warning from the weather service.

Wind gusts could be over 40 mph Sunday night and Monday, the service reported.

Additionally, a coastal flood advisory will be in effect from midnight through 4 a.m. Monday for Washington and Newport counties, with up to a foot of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways, according to the weather service. Flooding is expected in lots and parks, and on roads, with isolated closures anticipated.

Below is the weather service’s full forecast for Narragansett Pier:

Sunday night: Rain. Low around 54 degrees. Breezy, with a northeast wind 20-22 mph, with gusts as high as 43 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and 1 inch possible.

Monday: Rain before 2 p.m., then rain and possibly a thunderstorm between 2-5 p.m., then rain after 5 p.m. High near 62 degrees. Breezy, with a northeast wind 20-23 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Monday night: Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 8 p.m. Low around 53 degrees. Northeast wind 14-16 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Tuesday: Showers. High near 62 degrees. North wind 15-17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.