A flood warning is in effect Tuesday for some southern Rhode Island communities along the Pawcatuck River, and forecasters are urging residents in Southeastern Massachusetts and northern Rhode Island to be on the alert for potential flooding issues later in the week.
The active flood warning is focused on Westerly and other Washington County communities as water levels on the Pawcatuck River steadily increase throughout Tuesday. Flood stage for the river is 7 feet and as of 3 a.m. Tuesday, forecasters wrote that the river had risen to 7.3 feet.
âMinor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast,â forecasters wrote Tuesday. âThe river will oscillate above flood stage with a maximum value of 8.8 feet Thursday evening.â
The warning is in effect âuntil further notice,â forecasters wrote.
Separately, forecasters cautioned that steady rainfall expected to arrive on Wednesday and lasting through Thursday night could lead to flooding issues in southeastern Massachusetts and northern Rhode Island.
âExcessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas,â forecasters wrote.
The cautionary message comes as forecasters reported that weather this week is best described with a four letter word: rain.
âDo you love rain? Youâre in luck!â forecasters wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. âHoping for some sunshine? We donât have the best news for you. A very active and wet week is in store with not one, not two, but three rainmakers on the way through late next weekend.â
[Week ahead] Do you love rain? You’re in luck! Hoping for some sunshine? We don’t have the best news for you. A very active and wet week is in store with not one, not two, but three rainmakers on the way through late next weekend. pic.twitter.com/reATiT1lSU
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) March 5, 2024
This is a developing story.
John R. Ellement can be reached at john.ellement@globe.com. Follow him @JREbosglobe.