Hurricane Jose Expected To Hammer Rhode Island

It's looking more and more likely that strong winds and drenching rains are headed to Rhode Island this week, courtesy of Hurricane Jose. Potentially tropical storm-force wind and several inches of rain could reach the state as early as Tuesday, prompting a rarely seen weather watch in parts of the Ocean State.

The southern half of Rhode Island, the Cape and Islands, and Southeastern Massachusetts are under a Tropical Storm Watch and should spend Monday preparing for what could be between 5-8 inches of rain in some areas. The Providence area is under a hurricane local statement.

The National Weather Service's forecast has Rhode Island getting nearly 3 inches, depending on where you are. Block Island is in the most danger out in the water. Nantucket would be getting more than 5 inches of rain, Martha's Vineyard and the Cape more than 4, and some Southeastern Mass. towns more than 3. Boston could threaten 2 inches, while Central Mass faces a more modest 1-1/2 inches. Localized areas could see more.

Winds in this region are expected to be about 30-40 miles per hour with gusts up to 70 mph. The window for those tropical storm-force winds is between Tuesday evening through Thursday morning. See the NWS warning and suggestions on how to stay safe below:

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The most recent forecast carries with it all the usual threats and warnings, and then some. Scattered power outages, tree limb damage and localized flooding are very possible as yet another hurricane churning through the Atlantic makes its way.

The coastline should be avoided at all cost. The NWS says this is a "life-threatening situation" for mariners. A tropical storm warning has been called for the waters off the coast.

As of 10 a.m. Monday, no weather warnings or outlooks were called for northern Rhode Island or interior Massachusetts. But Tuesday and Wednesday should be windy and rainy to varying degrees, though hopefully absent the danger posed for the Cape and Islands and Southeastern Mass.

In those areas, NWS warns of a "moderate" to "elevated" threat to life and property, suggesting the following:

- Emergency plans should include a reasonable threat for strong tropical storm force wind of 58 to 73 mph.

- To be safe, earnestly prepare for the potential of significant wind impacts. Remaining efforts to secure properties should now be brought to completion.

- Dangerous wind is possible. Failure to adequately shelter may result in injury. Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.

- Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles.

- Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several fences and roadway signs blown over.

- Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways,and access routes impassable.

- Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines.

NWS photos

Also See: Another Hurricane Could Be Headed Toward The Caribbean