RI Weather Outlook: Severe Storm Detailed

Rhode Island will see some serious weather the next 36 hours. The National Weather Service is calling for "strong to damaging winds," more than an inch of rain per hour falling, and severe weather that could even spawn a tornado. The NWS warns Ocean Staters as "a cold front sweeps the region ahead of ... sub-tropical, unstable air." Predictions are varying, but you can count on a lot of wind and rain through at least Wednesday morning.

Up to 3 inches of rain is expected in Rhode Island, with even more in Southeastern Mass. Localized flooding is a big concern. And if you plan on going into Western Mass. or Connecticut, be aware of a flash flood warning. Forecasters are warning of the possibility of a brief tornado in Western Mass. over the next day, saying they cannot rule out that "severe weather" moving eastward.

A wind advisory has been issued for Rhode Island and will be in effect from noon Tuesday to 11 a.m. Wednesday. Wind gusts of up to 55 miles per hour are expected. The southeastern part of Rhode Island and Southeastern Mass. will see the strongest winds. If you have Halloween decorations up, you might take them down for the day or risk losing them. Trees - particularly ones still fully leafed - are at risk of losing limbs and could cause scattered power outages.

So when does it all start? Current Weather.com forecasts have Rhode Island first getting rain around 3-4 p.m. Thunderstorms could start later around 7 or 8.

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Images courtesy of NWS Boston via Twitter