Prov. hurricane barrier ready for Earl

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The Fox Point Hurricane Barrier is ready to go -- and be closed -- should Hurricane Earl bring violent winds, waves or worse to Rhode Island.

Peter Gaynor, the director of the Providence EMA, said Tuesday he and his team were preparing since before the hurricane season even started -- and their months of planning and training can now go into effect. Among the items on their checklist right now: "Do we have enough fuel in generators? Do our radios work? Do we have updated contact lists?" said Gaynor.

The federal Army Corps of Engineers took over maintenance and operation of the structure earlier this year from the city of Providence, but Gaynor said the two still work together on preparations.

The three gates which block a storm surge can be lowered in 30 minutes.

Whether or not the gates will be closed is a decision Providence and the Corps make together -- and the criterion and standards for closure haven't changed since the handover. A number of factors go into the decision, but the current forecast track favors a northerly wind for our area, which Gaynor said is favorable to keeping the gates open.

The decision-making process could start Wednesday.

Gaynor also said one of the five water pumps is down for repairs, but the other four can handle pumping fresh water from the river into the bay.

The hurricane barrier was closed twice back in December when serious storms were expected to kick up waves and create a flooding risk.