Providence hurricane barrier closes

PROVIDENCE,R.I. (WPRI) -- The Providence hurricane barrier was ordered closed at 6:45 a.m. Monday, with state emergency officials keeping a close eye on the storm to keep Rhode Islanders safe.

At a news conference Monday morning, Governor Lincoln Chafee said this is probably the first time the barrier has ever been tested in a storm surge of this strength.

Providence’s South Street flood gates are scheduled to be closed early Monday afternoon in advance of the evening high tide, and individual street closures will be posted on the city’s website at www.providenceri.com .

Providence Mayor Angel Taveras said decisions regarding Tuesday school closures, trash pickup postponement and parking bans will be announced Monday afternoon.

• Detailed Forecast: Pinpoint Futurecast
• Pinpoint Weather: Hurricane Center
• Tony's Pinpoint Weather Blog

Meanwhile, Governor Chafee also said the state will likely impose a bridge restriction if sustained winds reach higher than 68 miles per hour. Passenger vehicles would then be limited on the Pell, Mount Hope and Sakonnet Bridges.

Chafee said he is still most concerned about the coastal areas in the state.

“My biggest concern with the full moon high tide coming Monday night and with the big event of the storm coming, and the southeast winds pushing the water up the bay, this is my biggest concern.”

Right now, 200 National Guardsmen are stationed throughout the state to help when the highest impact hits.