By WPRO News
A massive storm is shutting down bridges, causing flood risks, and knocking out power to tens of thousands. National Grid says it has over 200 crews working during the storm.
A Winter Weather Advisory for Rhode Island is in effect from 5 pm – 1 am overnight with 1-4 inches of wet, heavy snow expected to fall. Five inches could hit the Northwest area of the state.
The state Emergency Management Agency says the Newport Bridge is “closed until further notice due to high winds.” Earlier in the day, a truck tipped over onto the median.
In addition, the Jamestown and Mt. Hope bridges are closed to high-profile vehicles and school busses. The west side of the Braga Bridge is currently closed after a tractor trailer reportedly tipped over.
All of the state is under a flood warning, but the Pawtuxet River is especially an area of concern. That’s because of wet ground, inches of rain, and a “chock full” Scituate reservoir, according to Dave Vallee, chief hydrologist with the National Weather Service.
“Because it’s such an urbanized lower part of the watershed, this river just gives us fits when we get like this. There’s just no place to put the water when it gets to this position,” he told WPRO’s Matt Allen.
Stay tuned to WPRO on air, on the web, and on social media for updates.
