Storms lead to severe highway flooding

WESTERLY, R.I. (WPRI) - Powerful storms on Wednesday created dangerous conditions in several Rhode Island communities including cars stranded in flood waters and several lightning strikes.

The Rhode Island Emergency Management sent out a warning after severe thunderstorms caused some severe highway flooding in Westerly.

On Cowesett Avenue in West Warwick cars treaded water that splashed above tires, blanketing windshields, and slowing traffic.

"We actually didn't drive through the puddle because we didn't want to get any water in the car," said one driver.

RIEMA Executive Director J. David Smith said he received numerous reports of vehicles stranded in dangerously high water levels. He said some of the car contained small children.

The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for South and Kent Counties. A flood advisory is issued for Bristol County, Mass.

Smith said drivers should avoid crossing flooded areas where the depth of the water is uncertain, in order to avoid getting stuck, or worse, getting washed away. After a wet June and what's starting out as a wet July, some drivers say they're used to it.

"The roads are pretty nasty, but other than that, it's ok," said one driver.

In West Greenwich a home was reportedly struck by lightning. When firefighters responded to the home they smelled smoke, but there was no visible fire.

There were also reports of more than eighteen-hundred power outages at one time.

For complete details on Wednesday's thunderstorms click here.