Widespread Power Outages, High Winds & Flooding: Nat'l Weather Service Issues Warnings for RI

Widespread Power Outages, High Winds & Flooding: Nat'l Weather Service Issues Warnings for RI

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued high wind and coastal flood warnings for Rhode Island, as dangerous winter weather is expected to sweep across much of the country this weekend. 

"Widespread power outages are expected," says NWS. 

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"High wind warning in effect from 1 am Friday to 7 am Saturday. Damaging winds may blow down trees and power lines, " Tweeted RI EMA. "Power outages are expected. Avoid being outside and in forested areas and around trees and branches. Use caution if you must drive."

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Rhode Island Energy on Thursday announced how it is preparing for the upcoming weather — and how customers should be prepared themselves (see below). 

 

Coastal Hazard Weather

NWS says a coastal flood warning is in effect until 2 AM on Friday for parts of southern New England. 

“One to two feet of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways,” says NWS.

“Minor coastal flooding is expected in the lowest lying areas Newport, Portsmouth and Middletown. A few immediate coastal roads briefly flood due to wave action,” adds NWS. "Minor coastal flooding occurs in the Common Fence Point area of Newport. A few parking lots adjacent to beaches are flooded in Newport. Minor coastal flooding is expected in the area including Wings Neck.

“Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. I travel is required, do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth,” says NWS. 

 

High Wind Warning

A high wind warning goes into effect at 1 AM Friday through 7 AM Saturday. 

“South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected,” says NWS for portions of eastern, northeastern and southeastern Massachusetts and northern and southern Rhode Island.

“Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles,” NWS adds. “People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.

 

Rhode Island Energy Prepares for Incoming Winter Storm

Rhode Island Energy said Thursday it has been monitoring the potential impact of a significant winter storm all week and is prepared for severe weather to hit our service territory starting Friday morning and lasting into Saturday. The storm is expected to bring strong winds, significant rainfall and the potential for coastal flooding. Current forecasts indicate the storm could cause damage to the electrical system, with winds potentially gusting over 65 mph and creating tree damage and power outages. Rhode Island Energy is prepared for the storms and will be ready to respond to outages.

“While no one wants to see a storm like this impact holiday plans, we know our customers are counting on us to be prepared, which is why we began preparing for such an event earlier this week,” said Dave Bonenberger, president of Rhode Island Energy. “We’ve secured additional line and tree crews in advance of the storm, and we will be coordinating our response with state agencies and municipalities across Rhode Island to address potential outages in a safe and efficient matter.”

RIE’s 1,100 employees will be ready to provide both field-based and back-office emergency response operations across the region. This includes overhead line, forestry, contractors, underground, damage assessment, wires-down, transmission, substation, municipal liasons and call center staff.  The Company has also secured hundreds of additional external line and forestry workers to assist with the effort. Crews will be staged across the state and ready to respond throughout the day and into the holiday weekend, should the impacts require a multi-day restoration effort.

As Rhode Island Energy continues to prepare for the storm, they are offering the following tips and reminders to customers:   

Customers Should Stay Connected:  

·       Report power outages at RIEnergy.com or call 855-743-1102.

·       Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, where they will post the latest storm and restoration updates.

·       Track outages and estimated restoration times online at: www.rienergy.com/RI-Home/outage-central/.

·       Sign up for alerts. To stay connected and receive outage updates text REG to RIEOUT (743688).

o   Once registered, to report an outage, text OUT

o   To check the status of your outage, text STAT

Stay Safe: 

·       If you encounter a downed wire at any time, assume it’s energized and stay away. If you see one, report it immediately to RIE or your local emergency response organization. 

·       Power problems can sometimes interrupt public water supply systems or disable well pumps, so it’s an especially good idea to keep a supply of bottled drinking water handy, as well as some canned food. 

·       People who depend on electric-powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should let us know. To register as a life support customer, call the company’s Customer Service Center at 1-855-743-1101. 

·       Check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage period.   

·       Make sure your mobile devices are fully charged.

 

Electric Safety:

·       If you use a generator to supply power during an outage, be sure to operate it outdoors.

·       Before operating generators, disconnect from RIE’s system by shutting off the main breaker located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could jeopardize the safety of line crews and the public.  

·       If you lose power, turn off any appliances that were on when the power went off, but leave one light on so you will know when power is restored. 

·       Just in case you lose power, it’s good to have an emergency kit on hand with food, water, medication, and any pet supplies you may need.

·       Remember that candles can start fires. If you lose power, use flashlights instead.

·       Avoid opening your refrigerator and freezer as much as possible. Most foods in the fridge and freezer should last between 12-24 hours.

·       For your safety and ours, please keep a safe distance from their crews.

 

Gas Safety:

If you suspect a natural gas leak:

·       Get Out - All occupants should leave the house immediately. Do not use the telephone or light switches for any reason.

·       Call Them – After leaving the house and reaching a safe environment, call 911. RIE has a 24-hour gas emergency number: 1-800-640-1595. 

·       Stay Out - Do not return to your home until Rhode Island Energy tells you it is safe. Customers are encouraged to learn more by visiting https://www.rienergy.com/RI-Home/.