Storm surge at high tide feared as Sandy roars through

WPRI 12 reporters and meteorologists are tracking Hurricane Sandy and its potential impact as the storm makes its way north. This page collects all the latest headlines and vital information about Sandy.

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Do you have photos and videos of storm preparations? Share them with us by emailing ReportIt@wpri.com.

This story is frequently updated as information changes - check back for the latest.

Major Evacuations

• Bristol: Mandatory evacuation of coastline and low-lying areas at 6 a.m. Monday.
• Charlestown: Mandatory evacuation of beachfront homes by 7 a.m. Monday, including Charlestown Beach Road south of Creek Bridge; East Beach Road south of Overlook Road; West Beach Road south of Sunset Drive.
• Fall River: Mandatory evacuation of Atlantic Boulevard ordered at 8 p.m. Sunday.
• Middletown: Mandatory evacuation from 134 Aquidneck Ave. south and from 84 Purgatory Rd. west by 10 a.m. Monday (west side of lower Aquidneck Avenue out to Wave Avenue).
• Narragansett: Mandatory evacuation of all low-lying and flood-prone areas no later than 6 a.m. Monday.
• South Kingstown: Mandatory evacuations begin at 6 a.m. Monday.
• Tiverton: Mandatory evacuations of low-lying areas and mobile homes at 8 p.m. Sunday.
• Westerly: Mandatory evacuations of low-lying areas in Weekapaug, Watch Hill and Avondale with homes along the river, up to Stillman Avenue, by 8 p.m. Sunday.

Forecast

Sandy made landfall near Atlantic City, N.J., around 8 p.m. as a post-tropical cyclone with top sustained winds of 80 mph. Southern New England will see the most severe weather from Sandy through 9 to 10 p.m.

A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect until 1 p.m. Tuesday in Southern New England. Storm surge of 5 to 8 feet is likely, plus 10 to 15 foot breakers. Damaging coastal flooding is likely over beaches, roads and possibly homes, with the 8:30 p.m. high tide a major concern. Rainfall is expected to be moderate, with 1 to 2 inches in most areas.

A High Wind Warning is in effect until 6 a.m. Tuesday, with sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph and gusts near 75 mph. Power outages are likely due to downed trees and damaging winds. The scope of the power outages could be comparable or perhaps worse than what happened after Tropical Storm Irene last year.

Forecasters also say there is a possibility of coastal flooding during Tuesday morning's high tide.

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

Latest News

• Hurricane Sandy has sustained winds of 90 mph and is a Category 1 storm.
• R.I. Gov. Chafee warns about storm surge, flooding: "The forecast is ominous."
• Wind gusts as strong as 86 mph were reported in Westerly midday Monday.
• 116,433 National Grid customers were without power across Rhode Island at 8:41 p.m.
• Widespread reports of flooded streets, fallen trees, power lines and debris blocking roads.
• State and local officials asked residents to get off the roads for the duration of the storm Monday.
• President Obama signed emergency declarations for Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
• Lt. Gov. Roberts warns areas in Rhode Island may flood that "haven't in decades."
• Connecticut ordered all highways closed at 1 p.m. Monday. Cars will be stopped at the border.
• US Army Corps closed the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier at 6:45 a.m. Monday. (Photos.)
• Planes, trains, buses cancel service across the East Coast.
• The Newport Pell and Mount Hope bridges may be closed temporarily based on wind speeds.
• MA Gov. Patrick expects Braga, Sagamore bridges to stay open but not if winds sustain at 75mph+.
• Waves of 34 feet and 24 feet were recorded south of Nantucket and Block Island, respectively.
• WPRI 12 will provide storm updates throughout the day Monday on 98.1 Cat Country.

Closings - Pinpoint Closing Network

• Complete list of closings, delays, parking bans
• Sign-up for school closing text alerts and emails

Transit

• Driving:  RIDOT road closures, updates ... RIDOT cameras
• Flights:  WPRI.com Flight Tracker - cancelations, delays
• Bridges: Newport Pell, Mount Hope may be closed if wind speeds top
• Amtrak - all service in the Northeast Corridor canceled through Tuesday
• MBTA - commuter rail service suspended at 2 p.m. Monday
• RIPTA - service suspended at 10 a.m. Monday in Newport and South County; at noon statewide
• Megabus - multiple cancelations through Tuesday

Cities & Towns

• Complete closings list
• Attleboro
  • Trash pickup will be delayed by one day.
• Barrington
  • Storm Surge Map
  • No school on Tuesday.
  • Shelter at Primrose Hill School opens 7 p.m. Sunday.
  • Officials closed the intersection at Route 114 and Massasoit (the white church) from flooding.
• Bristol
  • Storm Surge Map
  • No school on Tuesday for Bristol-Warren.
  • Mandatory evacuation of coastline and low-lying areas by 6 a.m. Monday.
  • Shelters at Franklin Court Community Room (150 Franklin St) opens 7 a.m. Monday. For transportation help, call 253-6912.
  • Trash pickup for Monday-Wednesday postponed until next week.
• Burrillville
  • The Cooper Hill Road area lost power Sunday night after a tree fell on the wires.
  • Trash pickup will be delayed one day.
• Central Falls
  • City Hall closed until further notice.
  • Parking ban in effect at 12 p.m. Monday.
  • No school on Tuesday.
  • No trash pickup on Tuesday.
• Charlestown
  • Storm Surge Map
  • Mandatory evacuation of beachfront homes by 7 a.m. Monday, including Charlestown Beach Road south of Creek Bridge; East Beach Road south of Overlook Road; West Beach Road south of Sunset Drive. Police will block access.
  • Shelter at Chariho Middle and Chariho High schools open at 7 p.m. Sunday.
  • No school on Tuesday for Chariho Regional.
• Coventry
  • No school on Tuesday.
  • Voluntary evacuation of all campers and mobile homes by 6 p.m. Sunday.
  • Shelter at Coventry High School opens at 4 p.m. Sunday.
  • No trash pickup on Monday or Tuesday.
  • Parking ban starts at midnight Monday.
  • All town employees are expected to report to work on Monday.
  • All town meetings scheduled for Monday are canceled.
• Cranston
  • Storm Surge Map
  • No school on Tuesday.
  • Residents of mobile homes and the Water Street area should be prepared to evacuate.
  • Shelter at Cranston Senior Center (1070 Cranston St.) opens 9 a.m. Monday.
  • Parking ban from noon Monday to noon Tuesday.
  • No trash pickup Monday.
  • Sandbags available at DPW (935 Phenix Avenue) from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Limit 10 per resident.)
• Cumberland
  • Shelter opens at Cumberland High School at 7 p.m. Sunday.
  • No school on Tuesday.
• Dartmouth
  • Select Board orders evacuation of low-lying areas.
  • Shelter open at Council on Aging building (Dartmouth St.).
  • No school on Tuesday.
• East Greenwich
  • Storm Surge Map
  • Residents of mobile homes and Water Street should be ready to evacuate.
  • Shelter at Veterans Memorial High School (2401 West Shore Rd., Warwick) opens at 7 p.m. Sunday.
  • No school on Tuesday.
  • No trash pickup on Monday.
  • Town Council meeting scheduled for Monday is canceled.
• East Providence
  • Storm Surge Map
  • No school on Tuesday.
  • Evacuation recommended Monday at 3 p.m. for residents of Bullocks Cove area including Riverside Drive; the immediate area of the Crescent View Avenue bridge; Richmond Point; the Vintner Avenue Playground area; the southern end of Main Street; Cozzens Avenue; and eastern end of Cove Street and vicinity; also in the immediate Sabin Point Park area, the lowest portion of Veterans Parkway and the Bold Point Park/Water Street area.
  • Shelter at Primrose Hill School (60 Middle Highway, Barrington) opens 7 p.m. Sunday.
  • Short-term shelter at East Providence Senior Centers opens 3 p.m. Monday.
  • City officials predicted the worst coastal flooding since Hurricane Bob in 1991.
  • Sandbags and sand available self-serve at the central garage (60 Commercial Way).
  • Trash pickup will be delayed by one day starting with Tuesday collections on Wednesday.
• Exeter
  • No school on Tuesday for Exeter-West Greenwich.
• Fairhaven
  • No school on Tuesday.
• Fall River
  • No school on Tuesday.
  • Mandatory evacuation of Atlantic Boulevard ordered at 8 p.m. Sunday.
  • Shelter open at Durfee High School.
• Foster
  • No school on Tuesday for Foster-Glocester.
• Glocester
  • Shelter open at Cumberland High School (2602 Mendon Rd., Cumberland).
  • Comfort center open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Ponaganset High School. Charging stations for cell phones and critical batteries. Showers and light food and water available at center.
  • No school on Tuesday for Foster-Glocester.
• Hopkinton
  • Storm Surge Map
  • Shelter at Chariho Middle and Chariho High schools open.
  • All town offices closed at noon Monday until further notice.
  • No school on Tuesday for Chariho Regional.
• Jamestown
  • Storm Surge Map
  • No school on Tuesday.
  • Shelter at Melrose Elementary School open.
  • Residents of low-lying areas are urged to evacuate.
  • Beavertail State Park is closed; no access south of Mackerel Cove.
  • Pet sheltering is available; call 423-1212 for information.
• Johnston
  • Town Hall closed on Monday.
  • No trash pickup on Monday.
• Lincoln
  • No school on Tuesday.
  • Tuesday trash pickup moved to Wednesday.
  • All brush must be bundled in 4-foot lengths.
  • CCRI : No classes on Monday or Tuesday.
• Little Compton
  • Storm Surge Map
  • No school on Tuesday.
  • Patch: Police issue voluntary evacuation order for Sakonnet Point.
• Middletown
  • Storm Surge Map
  • No school on Tuesday.
  • Mandatory evacuation from 134 Aquidneck Ave. south and from 84 Purgatory Rd. west by 10 a.m. Monday (west side of lower Aquidneck Avenue out to Wave Avenue).
  • Shelter at Gaudet Middle School opens at 7 p.m. Sunday.
  • Parking ban in effect until further notice as of midnight Monday.
  • Police will put up barricades at Wave Avenue and Aquidneck Avenue (north side), Purgatory Road/Aquidneck Avenue (all traffic diverted up Purgatory Road and Memorial Boulevard at the town line so no traffic will get caught on Memorial when it floods), Berkeley Avenue, Forest Avenue and Paradise Avenue south of Prospect Avenue.
  • Monday trash pickup moved to Wednesday; Tuesday, Wednesday trash pickup moved to Thursday; Thursday, Friday trash pickup on Friday.
• Narragansett
  • Storm Surge Map
  • Mandatory evacuation of all low lying and flood prone areas no later than 6 a.m. Monday
  • Shelter at South Kingstown High School (215 Columbia St.) opens at 7 p.m. Sunday.
  • No school on Tuesday; no out-of-town bussing.
  • Parking ban starts at midnight Monday for all roads. Ocean Road from Earls Court to the Dunes Club will likely be closed Monday morning.
• New Bedford
  • Voluntary evacuations strongly recommended for the South End.
  • Shelter at Keith Middle School opens at 8 p.m. Sunday. Pet-friendly.
  • Shelter at Pilgrim Church soup kitchen opens at 7 a.m. Monday.
  • No school on Tuesday. City offices closed Tuesday.
  • Police will limit access to and throughout the South End.
  • US Army Corps closed the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier street gates.
  • Trash pickup will be delayed two days.
  • City Hall closed Monday and Tuesday.
• Newport
  • Storm Surge Map
  • No school on Tuesday.
• North Kingstown
  • Storm Surge Map
  • No school on Tuesday.
  • Voluntary evacuations encouraged for coastal and low-lying areas east of Routes 1A and 1 (Post Road and Boston Neck Road).
  • Planning Commission meeting on Monday postponed to Nov. 8.
  • Town offices closed Monday and Tuesday.
• North Providence
  • [no updates]
• North Smithfield
  • [no updates]
• Pawtucket
  • Storm Surge Map
  • Trash pickup will be delayed one day all week.
  • Shelter open at Cumberland High School (2600 Mendon Rd., Cumberland).
  • All city offices and parks and recreation facilities closing at noon Monday.
  • Zoning Board meeting on Monday night has been postponed.
  • Sandbags are available at the DPW garage (250 Armistice Blvd.).
• Portsmouth
  • Storm Surge Map
  • Residents urged to evacuate Anthony Road north of Common Point Blvd; Cedar Ave along the cove; the low point on Riverside Street just before the loop; and the low point of Cliff Ave ahead of Monday night high tide.
  • No school on Tuesday.
  • Updates on the Portsmouth EMA blog.
• Providence
  • Storm Surge Map
  • No school on Tuesday.
  • Moderate flooding at Fox Point at 6:30 p.m., water 6 feet above normal.
  • Fox Point Hurricane Barrier closed Monday morning; police have blocked the roads to it.
  • South Water Street flood gate, parts of India Street closed ahead of 8 p.m. high tide.
  • All parks/rec activities, including the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, canceled through Tuesday.
  • Rhode Island College: No classes on Monday or Tuesday.
  • CCRI: No classes on Monday or Tuesday.
  • Sand will be available at 8:30 a.m. Monday at PEMA HQ (591 Charles St.) and Hopkins Park parking lot (91 Admiral St.).
  • Providence Place mall is closed Monday.
• Rehoboth
  • Special Town Meeting on Monday "postponed until further notice."
• Richmond
  • Storm Surge Map
  • Shelter at Chariho Middle and Chariho High schools open at 7 p.m. Sunday.
  • No school on Tuesday for Chariho Regional.
• Scituate
  • Shelter open at Compost Hill Center (1315 Chompist Hill Rd).
  • Sandbags available at the Scituate DPW (1 Lincoln Circle).
  • Town Hall closed at noon Monday.
  • No school on Tuesday.
• Smithfield
  • Shelter opens at Cumberland High School at 7 p.m. Sunday.
  • Smithfield Senior Center, Town Hall closed on Monday.
  • Trash pickup will be delayed by one day starting Tuesday.
  • Sandbags available at DPW garage (223-1034).
• South Kingstown
  • Storm Surge Map
  • Mandatory evacuations starting at 6 a.m. on Sunday.
  • No school on Tuesday.
  • University of Rhode Island: No classes on Monday or Tuesday.
  • Shelter at South Kingstown High School opens at 7 p.m. Sunday.
  • South County Hospital cancels some services Monday.
• Taunton
  • [no updates]
• Tiverton
  • Storm Surge Map
  • No school on Tuesday.
  • Mandatory evacuations of low-lying areas and mobile homes at 8 p.m. Sunday.
  • Shelter at Tiverton Middle School opens at 7 p.m. Sunday.
• Warren
  • Storm Surge Map
  • No school on Tuesday for Bristol-Warren.
• Warwick
  • Storm Surge Map
  • No school on Tuesday.
  • Parking ban will take effect at 4 p.m. Monday.
  • Voluntary evacuations urged in Conimicut and Oakland Beach. Potowomut may be added.
  • Shelter at Veterans Memorial High School opens at 7 p.m. Sunday.
  • Pet shelter at Thayer Ice Arena opens at 7 p.m. Sunday.
  • Conimicut Point Park, City Park and the seawall at Oakland Beach are closed.
  • CCRI : No classes on Monday or Tuesday.
  • Warwick Mall will be closed on Monday.
  • More information on Warwick's hurricane website.
  • Grinder pumps may have limited capacity in the event of a power outage.
• West Greenwich
  • No school on Tuesday for Exeter-West Greenwich.
  • Town Hall closed at noon Monday.
  • Emergency Operations Center opened at 6 a.m. Monday.
  • Shelters open at Veterans Memorial High School (2401 West Shore Rd., Warwick) and Chariho Middle and Chariho High schools (453 Switch Rd., Wood River Junction).
• West Warwick
  • Town Hall closed at noon Monday.
  • No school on Tuesday.
• Westerly
  • Storm Surge Map
  • Mandatory evacuations in effect south of Shore Rd.
  • Low-lying areas in Weekapaug, Watch Hill and Avondale with homes along the river, up to Stillman Ave, will be evacuated. Residents must be out by 8 p.m. Sunday.
  • Regional Red Cross shelter will be open at Chariho H.S. starting 7 p.m. Sunday.
    • Transportation to shelter will be provided at 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday from the Westerly Senior Center.
  • National Guard will patrol five checkpoints starting at 8 p.m. Sunday to restrict access to Misquamicut Beach and Atlantic Avenue.
  • No school on Tuesday.
  • Apple Rehab nursing home is evacuated.
  • Animal Shelter will take animals until 10 p.m. Sunday.
  • Westerly Hospital canceled some services and elective procedures for Tuesday but otherwise is fully staffed. A generator and four days of fuel are on hand.
• Westport
  • Town offices closed Monday.
  • No school on Tuesday.
  • Regional shelter at Durfee High School in Fall River opens at 8 p.m. Sunday.
  • Severe beach erosion expected from high tide Monday to high tide Tuesday.
  • For more information, call 774-264-5155.
• Woonsocket
  • Shelter opens at Cumberland High School at 7 p.m. Sunday.
  • Trash pickup delayed one day.

Utility Outages

Widespread power outages are predicted to be one of the biggest concerns when Hurricane Sandy impacts the area. National Grid has been assembling teams in preparation for the storm.

Strong winds from the storm could lead to downed trees and power lines. Before the storm arrives, home and business owners should remove dead limbs from trees, which could pose a problem.

For the latest power outages, check out the WPRI.com Real-Time Power Outage Database. To report an outage to National Grid, call 1-800-465-1212.

In the event of power outages, you will want the following in your Emergency Supply Kit:

• Working flashlights
• Battery-operated radio
• Extra supply of batteries

If you lose power, you can also get storm updates from the Eyewitness News Pinpoint Weather Team on the radio, on 98.1 Cat Country.

Natural gas service could be interrupted along the New England coast if there is extensive flooding.

More Resources

• Be Storm Ready
• Vital Numbers and Links
• RI Evacuation Maps
• Hurricane Preparation List
• Emergency Shopping List