Tropical Storm Watch issued for Fall River and New Bedford

A Tropical Storm Watch is now in effect for the RI coast, as well as the Cape and Islands. According to the National Weather service, a Tropical Storm Watch means Tropical storm wind conditions are possible somewhere within this area and within the next 48 hours

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED
– Fall River
– New Bedford

* WIND
– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind
– Peak Wind Forecast: 30-40 mph with gusts to 45 mph
– Window for Tropical Storm force winds: Tuesday afternoon until Wednesday evening

– CURRENT THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: Moderate
– Emergency planning should include a reasonable threat for strong tropical storm force wind of 58 to 73 mph.
– To be safe, earnestly prepare for the potential of significant wind impacts. Efforts should now be underway to secure all properties.
– Dangerous wind is possible. Failure to adequately shelter may result in injury.

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
– Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles.
– Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several fences and roadway signs blown over.
– Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable.
– Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines.

* STORM SURGE
– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Not available at this time. To be updated shortly.
– Threat to Life and Property: Not available at this time. To be updated shortly.
– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Not available at this time. To be updated shortly.

* FLOODING RAIN
– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
– Peak Rainfall Amounts: 1-3 inches, with locally higher
amounts

– CURRENT THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: Elevated
– Emergency planning should include a reasonable threat for minor flooding where peak rainfall totals are near amounts conducive for localized flash flooding and rapid inundation.
– To be safe, prepare for the potential of limited flooding rain impacts.
– Localized flooding is possible. If flood related watches and warnings are issued, heed recommended actions.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
– Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
– Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become swollen and overflow in spots.
– Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge closures.

TORNADO
– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
– Situation is unfavorable for tornadoes

CURRENT THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: None
– Emergency planning need not include a threat for tornadoes.
Showers and thunderstorms with strong gusty winds may still
occur.
– Little to no preparations needed to guard against tropical
tornadoes.
– Ensure readiness for the next tropical tornado event.

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None
– Little to no potential impacts from tornadoes.