Storm track currently shows landfall in New Jersey
By Will Collette
Even though storm tracks show Joachim hitting the US
just south of where Superstorm Sandy struck, the National
Weather Service does not expect the consequences to Charlestown and coastal
Rhode Island to be more than the following:
A COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IS ISSUED FOR
MINOR COASTAL FLOODING OF THE MOST VULNERABLE SHORE ROADS AND/OR BASEMENTS DUE
TO THE HEIGHT OF STORM TIDE OR WAVE SPLASHOVER.
THE MAJORITY OF ROADS REMAIN PASSABLE WITH ONLY ISOLATED CLOSURES. THERE
IS NO SIGNIFICANT THREAT TO LIFE AND ANY IMPACT ON PROPERTY IS MINIMAL.
CONFIDENCE
IS LOW THAT TROPICAL STORM JOAQUIN...OR ITS REMNANTS...
COULD IMPACT OUR REGION THIS WEEKEND. HOWEVER...RENEWED HEAVY RAINFALL IN
ADVANCE OF THIS SYSTEM IS LIKELY THIS WEEKEND...ALONG WITH POSSIBLE FLOODING.
Here is the press release sent out by the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency:
RIEMA Urges Rhode Islanders to Prepare for Upcoming Severe Weather; Monitoring Tropical Storm Joaquin
Cranston, RI – The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency
(RIEMA) urges Rhode Islanders to prepare for upcoming severe weather
anticipated to impact the State of Rhode Island late Tuesday, September 29,
into Wednesday, September 30. Additionally, RIEMA is also tracking Tropical
Storm Joaquin, which recently formed in the Atlantic Ocean.
The initial storm front is expected to bring 1.5" –
2.5" of rain across the state late Tuesday and early Wednesday, with
potential to create urban, street, and coastal flooding. Rains are expected to
impact the Wednesday morning commute and drivers are urged to use caution and
allow extra time to travel. There is also a High Rip Current risk along the
Southern Rhode Island coast throughout the duration of these storms.
There remains uncertainty with the second round of heavy rains
stemming from Tropical Storm Joaquin, which is currently located Northeast of
the Bahamas. Current projections from the National Weather Service predict
Rhode Island to experience heavy rains and strong winds associated with Joaquin
on Friday.
The track of this storm, which is widespread and uncertain at this
time, will determine where the heaviest rainfall and winds will occur. We still
can expect some heavy rainfall into Southern New England Saturday into Sunday
from this system.
"We are very well in the midst of the Atlantic Hurricane
Season," said Director Peter Gaynor. "In Southern New England, we are
prone to experiencing tropical storms and hurricanes around this time of year
and therefore, we are prepared to deal with such weather. However, it's
imperative that Rhode Islanders are also prepared so that they are ready for
both the upcoming severe weather, as well as Tropical Storm Joaquin.
"Now is the
time to double check your disaster-supply kit and gather any additional items
that you may need. We also encourage individuals, families, and businesses to
take a look around their property and check for dangling or damaged tree limbs
and safely remove them in order to avoid debris that could potentially damage
your home or property."
Below are additional tips on how individuals, families, and
businesses can be prepared for severe weather:
• Gather a disaster-supply kit that includes water, food,
flashlight, extra batteries, NOAA Weather Radio, first aid kit, and any
necessary medicines and prescriptions.
• Develop a family communications plan
in case you are separated during an emergency.
• Make sure all family members
have an emergency contact list.
• Know your local emergency evacuation routes
by visiting the RIEMA website at www.riema.ri.gov/prepare/evacuation.
• Take
down any outdoor decorations and bring in lawn furniture.
• Properly secure or
bring in your boat.
• Clear leaves, sticks, and other debris from nearby storm
drains in order to avoid clogging that could lead to street flooding.
• Visit www.riema.ri.gov to Register with CodeRed and receive
free emergency notifications from local and state officials.
RIEMA will provide
additional updates on Tropical Storm Joaquin, as well as rainfall potential
over the next several days via Twitter, Facebook, and the RIEMA website. For
additional preparedness information, visit RIEMA's website atwww.riema.ri.gov/prepare.
For
additional questions please contact RIEMA at (401) 946-9996.