Even though the current forecast track takes Irene much further to the west - almost on a direct line with New York City, winds and storm surge is stronger on the eastern side of the storm, and that's where we are. And of course the storm track could change to bring the storm closer.
Either way, we will take a hit, so you should plan to have your outdoor storm preparations completed by Saturday afternoon at the latest.
Read further for the official National Wildlife Service news release.
News ReleaseRhode Island National Wildlife Refuge ComplexBlock Island NWR John H. Chafee NWR at Pettaquamscutt Cove Ninigret NWR Sachuest Point NWR Trustom Pond NWR50 Bend Road, Charlestown, RI 02813 401/364-9124 Fax: 401/364-0170
For Immediate Release August 25, 2011For Further Information Contact:Janis Nepshinsky, Visitor Services Manager 401 364-9124 orCharlie Vandemoer, Refuge Manager: 401.364.9124x11
Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuges Closed Due To Hurricane Irene’s Project Path
With Hurricane Irene projected to hit the northeast coast this weekend, the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) will be closed beginning Saturday, August 27, 2011 until further notice. Forecasters predict that the Rhode Island coast will experience surging tides, high sustained winds of 75 miles per hours and severe flooding.
We regret this emergency closure and we will re-open as soon as conditions are safe, says Janis Nepshinsky, Visitor Services Manager.
The Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuges consists of Block Island NWR, John H. Chafee Refuge NWR in Narragansett/South Kingstown, Ninigret NWR in Charlestown, Sachuest Point NWR in Middletown, and Trustom Pond NWR in South Kingstown. Please visit www.fws.gov/ninigret/complex.
For information on when the refuges will be reopened, please call 364.9124, extension 48 or visit Facebook, keyword Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex.*********___________________Janis NepshinskyVisitor Services ManagerU.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceRhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex50 Bend Road, Charlestown, RI 02813401.364.9124 extension 28, Fax: 401.364.0170Website: http://www.fws.gov/ninigret/complex/Facebook: keyword: Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex