Our neighboring towns have ordered far more extensive mandatory evacuations (Westerly South Kingstown and Narragansett). The Westerly Sun reports the potential of up to a 16 foot storm surge (other sources are reporting eight).
Governor Chafee has declared a state of emergency for RI. RIDEM is closing state beaches and campgrounds. National Grid is moving in additional crews.
I don't understand Charlestown's comparatively docile approach to this storm. Check Google Earth and you'll see that an eight foot surge would take the ocean well beyond the beachfront. A 16 foot surge would flood about 2/3's of the land south of Route One. Route One at the Hitching Post is only 12 feet above sea level. Memo to Dan Slattery: this kind of wind really is dangerous to your health.
To get you in the mood of what a hurricane worst case scenario, here's some WPA footage of the Great Hurricane of 1938.
