After Deluge, More Rain Monday

Rhode Island was drenched with anywhere from four to five inches of rain on Sunday, flooding roads and swelling rivers — and more rain is expected on Monday.

For an already soaked state, city and town officials are bracing themselves for more flooding issues as they attempt to patch potholes, repair culverts and assess the damage caused by Sunday's deluge.

In Cranston, the Pawtuxet River is at 9.56 feet — just about a foot over flood stage, which means it won't take much more rain on Monday to push it even higher. The National Weather Service, which has a flood advisory in effect through early tomorrow morning, is predicting the river will reach about 10 feet before receding.

In Middletown, floodwaters caused firefighters to become rescuers as they saved a woman from her truck near Second Beach after she was stuck in floodwater. Firefighters used a kayak to reach her.

In East Greenwich, caused the road to Scallptown Park to be closed Sunday after a small mudslide that covered the roadway. The conditions also compelled Amtrak to pause service for a brief time because of concerns about instability near the tracks.

The National Weather Service said the Blackstone River in Woonsocket continues to rise thanks to light rain early this morning and it expected to crest above minor flood stage before starting to recede by late morning.

The weather service advises people to keep children away from swollen streams and rivers as swiftly moving water can pose a threat. Soggy riverbanks can also give way and fast-moving water, even if it is not very deep, can be deadly.

The rain is expected to taper off through Monday, ushering in sunshine and more seasonable temperatures for Tuesday. The high is expected to be 52 degrees.

Were you affected by the floodwaters? Consider sending a photo to mark.schieldrop@patch.com