Weather Alert: Flood Watch Wednesday; Showers, Thunderstorms

***FLOOD WATCH issued for all of Rhode Island and Bristol County in Massachusetts for Wednesday*** More showers and thunderstorms expected could lead to areas of flash flooding.

Good Wednesday Morning

WEDNESDAY FORECAST

Showers and thunderstorms are expected by late Wednesday morning and into the afternoon and evening. Some rain could be heavy, and those areas which have seen heavy rain may see additional flooding. Also, while the chance is low, a quick spin-up of a tornado is possible.

THURSDAY FORECAST

Clearing Thursday and turning less humid

TROPICS and HURRICANE LEE

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILED UPDATE ON LEE

Lee is still a Category 3 Hurricane in the Atlantic with winds of 115mph

We are expecting Lee to turn to the north later Wednesday. Even with Lee passing offshore, we may see some rain and wind late Friday night into Saturday morning, especially in east coastal Massachusetts/Cape.

As of now, the National Hurricane Center has the track of the storm staying offshore, east of Cape Cod…..however, we should still monitor the latest data next several days to see if this track forecast shifts a bit east or west. At this time, the center of Lee is not forecast to make landfall in southern New England…but since the storm is large in size and diameter, southeastern coastal Mass may get swiped with some rain and stronger wind.

A closer west track will bring us heavier rain (which we definitely don’t need), and some stronger wind gusts.

A farther east (offshore) track will bring us a mainly dry but breezy day.

The potential rain/wind impact will be higher for areas in red. If the storm center tracks closer to the coast, these higher impacts would be expanded further west and inland…..bottom line, stay tuned for updates next few days.

Either way, large ocean waves are expected beginning late Thursday and continuing through the weekend. Please stay off of rocks and jetties and be aware of dangerous rip currents.