By Will Collette
As the projected storm track for Tropical Storm/Hurricane Arthur shifts slightly to the east, Rhode Island is now outside the National Weather Service's "cone" for any chance of hurricane force winds.
While most of Rhode Island looks safe, South County is still going to get some effects from this storm as it cruises up the coast.
What we do end up getting from the storm could have an effect on Fourth of July travel and may disrupt the timing for some local fire works. It looks like bad beach weather until Saturday.
However, it looks fine for the Charlestown Democrats' big tag sale, scheduled for Saturday the Fifth, starting early morning, near the corner of Genwood and Old Post Road. The current forecast for Saturday is mostly sunny with a high at a delightful 76 degrees. And, almost no pollen!
Of course, all of this is subject to change. The National Weather Service is pretty good at pretty storm tracks, but they admit they are far less able to predict storm intensity and timing.
Right now, they're looking at Alfred passing by South County's coastline during Friday and show it close to Nova Scotia by Saturday morning. But the storm could easily slow down or speed up. Or shift a degree or two. Any such changes would have a major effect on what happens to us during the long holiday weekend.
The Weather Service predictions for tropical storm effects seem to be the most relevant to us, and to your holiday planning. As of today, here's that track for areas that could get sustained winds of up to 39 mph:
There's a tangible side benefit to this impending stormy weather. According to Pollen.com, our pollen count will drop to comfortable levels:
