Coventry, Westerly residents evacuated

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) - Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in the Town of Coventry because of concerns that the Laurel Street Bridge will collapse, according to information on the town's website.

The website says all residents of the following streets must evacuate immediately:

• Washington Street, Laurel Ave, to Pulaski Street.
• Washington Street, Edward Street to Knight Street.
• North Street
• South Street
• Dawley Street
• Lantern Lane
• New Dam Road
• Bonnie Street
• Dodd Street

West Warwick officials are asking residents living in low lying areas to evacuate as well. Experts say the Laurel Avenue Bridge is expected to fail and the effect that it will have on the Pawtuxet River is unknown.

Residents can stay at the West Warwick Civic Center located on Factory Street.

There are also reports that rescue crews are evacuating 60 homes in Westerly. The homes being threatened by the flood waters are in the Bradford section.

State officials updated residents on the historic flooding throughout the state on Wednesday afternoon.

Governor Donald Carcieri said the water has begun to recede, including near the Pawtuxet River, and amazingly there were no deaths related to the floods.