RI prepares for record breaking floods

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) - Governor Donald Carcieri (R-RI) is asking Rhode Islanders to be prepared for an "unprecedented amount of flooding" over the next few days.

During a news conference held Monday morning at the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency , the governor warned that the flooding from this week's storm could be worse than the flooding along the Pawtuxet River back on March 15 .

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"It may be worse than a few weeks ago, and potentially worse than it was in 2005." said Carcieri. "Residents should take precaution now." he said.

Along with Governor Carcieri , Adj. General Robert  Bray of the Rhode Island National Guard , and EMA Director James D. Smith were on hand for the news confrence.

The slow moving rain storm started dumping rain on southern New England Monday, which prompted the National Weather Service to issue a flood warning for Rhode Island and much of Massachusetts.

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Experts from the National Weather Service said the flooding this time around, could be potentially 'life threatening.'  Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick issued a 'State of Emergency' on Monday afternoon for the entire state, and mobilized the National Guard.

We could see four to six inches of rain before the storm is out of our area early Wednesday, according to experts. State emergency officials are coordinating with local officials on voluntary evacuations for areas prone to flooding, especially in Cranston and Warwick.

The Pawtuxet River in the West Bay is expected to crest at 16 feet by Wednesday, which is a higher flood stage than we saw on March 15.

Serious flooding is also expected at the Blackstone River.