Officials worried about W. Warwick dam

WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - Officials were closely monitoring a Pawtuxet River dam in West Warwick Monday night, as the town dealt with historic floods.

Water from the rain-swollen river was spilling over the Arctic Dam off of Factory Street late Monday night. Emergency officials said they were concerned about the dam, but that it appeared to be holding up. They added it was not in imminent danger of failing. Engineers planned to keep an eye on the dam overnight.

A state of emergency remains in effect for the town. Downstream from the Arctic Dam, officials said over 40 businesses and 500 vehicles had been flooded. Dozens of people from several nearby homes had been evacuated.

The Red Cross has set up an emergency shelter for evacuees on Roberts Street.

Residents who need information can call the state's hotline at 211, or a hotline set up by the town. Before 4 p.m. Tuesday, the number is 401-822-9297. After 4 p.m. Tuesday, residents can call 401-477-3209, 401-477-3210 or 401-477-3213.