Town Officials 'Planning for the Worst' As Hurricane Approaches

As the Category 3 storm barrels toward the North Carolina coast, officials in North Kingstown are setting plans in motion to prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Irene here in the Ocean State.

Forecasters are predicting Irene's intensity will be anywhere from a tropical storm to a strong Category 3 when it hits Rhode Island on Sunday. Town officials are planning for the worst.

"We're preparing for a Category 3 right now," said Town Manager Michael Embury. "That's the advice that's come through, so far. We're prepared for the worst."

The uncertainty over how strong the storm will be when it hits the Ocean State have made it difficult for town officials to make the call on evacuating certain areas, including low-lying areas and trailer parks.

"We're going to play that one by ear for right now," said Embury. "They may need to be evacuated, but that all depends on the forecast."

North Kingstown has three shelters – , and . Official confirmation from the University of Rhode Island, which – according to Embury – is supposed to serve as Washington County's regional shelter, has yet to come through.

Members from the Department of Public Works will be stationed at each fire station throughout the storm as well. Both the Coast Guard and North Kingstown's harbormaster have been making their rounds throughout the waterfronts of town, warning boaters to get their vessels out of the water.

Officials now await a briefing from the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency at 1 p.m. today for further details.

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