Weather Service Issues Flood Watch for Rhode Island

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Taunton has issued a flood watch for much of Rhode Island and parts of Connecticut, in effect beginning at 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday.

Radar images have indicated additional heavy rain moving through the area this evening that will add to the already elevated river levels caused by Monday's storms. Flooding is anticipated in urban areas, areas with poor drainage and in small streams. Predicted rainfall rates are around two inches per hour.

NWS has also noted to residents of Kent and Providence counties that runoff from heavy rain overnight continues to flow into the Pawtuxet River. The water level of the Pawtuxet River in Cranston will continue to rise and is expected to crest Wednesday morning with moderate flooding, and is expected to fall below flood stage sometime Thursday. In these areas, the flood warning will remain in effect until late Thursday night or until it has been cancelled.