RIEMA Urges Rhode Island to Monitor and Prepare for Tropical Storm Elsa

RIEMA Urges Rhode Island to Monitor and Prepare for Tropical Storm Elsa

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) is closely monitoring the path of Tropical Storm Elsa and its potential impact on the state.

RIEMA receives updates four times a day from the National Weather Service (NWS) in Norton, MA.

“If Elsa tracks our way, residents will need to prepare too,” says RIEMA Director Marc Pappas. “Make sure your emergency kit is packed with enough supplies to last for three days. You should also secure any lawn furniture, take your boat out of the water or secure it to a mooring, and clean out your storm gutters to prevent flooding inside your house.”

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According to RIEMA, the NWS believes the storm is now on a path to impact southeast New England around dawn Friday morning as a weak tropical storm and continues through Saturday morning.

There is the potential for heavy rainfall with precipitation of 1-3”, wind gusts over 35mph, and dangerous marine conditions along with rough surf and rip currents along the beaches. There is much uncertainty to the exact track and intensity as Elsa makes its closest approach on Friday.