Strong Storms Cause Havoc In Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, RI — Middletown dealt with flooding and power outages Tuesday afternoon after a deluge of rain from a line of powerful storms.

Power outages caused stop lights at major intersections to go out. Drivers were urged to maintain caution with Middletown police called in to direct traffic at some intersections.

Flooding was also reported at Green End Avenue and Miantonomi Avenue. Drivers were urged to use alternate routes late Tuesday afternoon and avoid Green End Avenue and Valley Road.

More than 5,000 people across Rhode Island were without power Tuesday afternoon following a fast-moving system of thunderstorms that brought heavy rain and gusty winds to the region.

Most of the power outages were in Newport, where more than 4,500 Rhode Islanders were in the dark as of 4:30 p.m. The remaining outages were scattered across thestate, with several hundred reported in the Providence area and more than 100 in South County.

Check the status of a power outage using National Grid's interactive, online map.