Hermine expected to bring rain, wind to R.I.

THIS IS THE track of Tropical Storm Hermine, which the National Weather Service said is expected to bring wind and rain to Rhode Island starting on Sunday. / COURTESY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
THIS IS THE track of Tropical Storm Hermine, which the National Weather Service said is expected to bring wind and rain to Rhode Island starting on Sunday. / COURTESY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

PROVIDENCE – Hermine, the first hurricane to hit Florida since 2005, has weakened, but is still expected to make an impact in Rhode Island.
While Hermine was downgraded to a tropical storm after moving inland, it will bring gusty winds and moderate and heavy rains to the Ocean State starting Sunday and lasting through Tuesday.
“Block Island will bear the strongest brunt of the storm,” Benjamin Sipprell, meteorologist for the National Weather Service, said Friday.
Block Island will sustain winds up to 35 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph. The rest of Rhode Island should see less windy conditions, with winds between 15 and 25 mph and gusts between 35 and 45 mph, Sipprell said.
Temperatures will remain seasonal, in the 70s, he said.
As for the holiday weekend, Saturday will be the best day, but those heading to the beach need to be aware of the increasing chance of rip currents and rough surf as a result of the storm.
“Wave action along the beach will definitely be picking up,” he said. “It’s something definitely to be looking out for.”

Bloomberg News reported that Hermine is weakening as it moves farther inland across Florida’s Panhandle and southeastern Georgia. The storm should move into the Carolinas on Friday night and Saturday, according to the National Hurricane Center. Hurricane watches and warnings were discontinued, and a tropical storm warning was discontinued west of Indian Pass, Fla.

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