PROVIDENCE – Power outages continue throughout Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts as utility crews respond to the winter storm that brought high winds and coastal flooding two days before Christmas.
More than 11,000 customers remain without power as of Friday afternoon, according to Rhode Island Energy, which estimated power for most customers might not be restored until 6 p.m. Saturday.
The National Weather Service says temperatures will drop to 13 degrees Friday night and plummet overnight and into Saturday, with wind chills reaching -1 degree.
The R.I. Emergency Management Agency tweeted Friday that “damaging winds may blow down trees and power lines” and that “power outages are expected.”
The National Weather Service warned “travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.”
High wind and coastal flood warnings remain in effect until 9 p.m. Friday in portions of southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, with gusts of up to 50 mph.
Storm surges of 1 to 2 feet are expected. Early-morning localized flooding was reported in Narragansett, Bristol, Newport, Jamestown and East Greenwich.
Providence dropped the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier early Friday morning to protect from flooding. Storm surges in Narragansett Bay peaked at 3.79 feet around 8 a.m., according to NWS meteorologist Andrew Locanto.
At about 9:30 a.m., the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority said the partial travel restrictions on the Mt. Hope, Newport Pell and Jamestown Verrazzano bridges had been lifted and the bridges are now open to all traffic.
“We’ve secured additional line and tree crews in advance of the storm,” Rhode Island Energy President David Bonenberger said in a statement. “We will be coordinating our response with state agencies and municipalities across Rhode Island to address potential outages in a safe and efficient matter.”
In response to the anticipated extreme cold, RIEMA said Friday that dozens of warming centers will be open for those who need to seek temporary shelter.
Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport reported 10 flight delays and 22 cancellations on Friday, according to the latest update on flight tracker flightaware.com.
(UPDATES throughout, including the number of customers without power and Friday overnight temperature predictions.)
Christopher Allen is a PBN staff writer. You may contact him at Allen@PBN.com.
