Storm knocks out power to thousands in RI, causes travel restrictions

Storm brings heavy rain, strong wind to RI, knocks out power to thousands, causes travel restrictions

A powerful storm has knocked out power to nearly 22,000 Rhode Islanders as of about 9:35 a.m., and has prompted restrictions on travel over bridges and cancellation of Block Island Ferry trips.

With the storm delivering powerful wind and rain, the National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning, a coastal flood warning and a flood watch for rivers, streams and low-lying areas.

Some parts of Rhode Island have already gotten more than two inches of rain, including West Warwick, where 2.62 inches was reported, and Coventry, where 2.42 was reported. A wind gust of 67 mph has been reported at Conimicut Light in Warwick and a gust of 63 mph has been reported in Providence, the weather service says.

Power outage tracker: See which households are without power right now

Some schools cancel classes

Several schools have canceled classes, including Chariho Regional Public Schools and Jamestown schools, according to the Rhode Island Broadcasters Association. Students at Toll Gate High School in Warwick are being sent home for the day because “the wind is causing a problem with the roof,” Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi said on Facebook.

A storm warning has been issued for coastal waters, with seas of 11 to 16 feet, the weather service says. The Block Island Ferry has canceled all trips.

The high seas are affecting dry land too. Some roads have been closed to flooding, including Park Avenue in Portsmouth, according to the Police Department, which posted a photo to Facebook showing a wave spilling onto Park Avenue.

High-profile vehicles such as RVs, house trailers and empty enclosed trailers aren’t allowed to cross the Newport Pell and Jamestown-Verrazzano bridges, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority says.

Rhode Island Energy says it has brought in hundreds of extra line and forestry workers, and has a total of 1,600 workers ready to fix power problems.