At a Glance: Rhode Island Flooding

(WPRI) - The disaster declaration for the flooding two weeks ago was open-ended, so it will include this flooding, officials said during a midday news conference Tuesday.

As the rivers continue to swell, Gov. Don Carcieri said commuters should plan to be home and off the roads by 6 or 7 p.m., because even some highways may flood by then.

Carcieri also said parents should keep their kids away from river banks because of the dangerous flows and current.

The Rhode Island National Guard has been activated to help, and all Rhode Island State Police resources have been deployed.

Numerous roads have been closed because of flooding, and many other roads have standing water.

Emergency shelters have been set up at the West Warwick Civic Center, the East Providence Senior Center and the Neutaconkanut Recreation Center in Providence .

By Tuesday morning, the water level on the Pawtuxet River in Cranston was already above the record level of just below 15 feet set during flooding two weeks ago, and the level is expected to peak at 19 to 20 feet on Wednesday. It's expected to remain above flood stage until Friday or Saturday.

Moderate flooding was reported Tuesday afternoon at the Blackstone River in Woonsocket, and officials expect it to reach major flood stage by Tuesday evening. It's expected to peak at 18 feet, 9 feet above flood stage.

Record flooding was also reported at the Woonasquatucket River in Centerdale. At the last available measurement at 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, the river was at 8.98 feet, breaking the previous record of 8.3 feet. The National Weather Service did not have a forecast available for that river.