Here's What Storm Nicole Will Bring To RI: Rain, Wind Forecasts

RHODE ISLAND — The remnants of tropical storm Nicole are expected to hit Rhode Island Friday into Saturday, bringing heavy rain and gusty winds — and setting up a big swing in temperatures.

Nicole made landfall in Florida early Thursday morning as a category 1 hurricane, but quickly dwindled to a tropical storm with winds up to 45 mph as it tracked over land.

The storm will begin to creep into our area late Friday afternoon, according to forecasts.

"The remnants of Nicole will begin to spread rain into the region on Friday. This system has the potential to bring wind-driven rains, gusty winds, especially across southeast New England, along with hazardous marine conditions late on Friday through Saturday. A strong cold front ushers in a cold, dry air mass to end the weekend. Below normal temperatures expected early to mid next week," the National Weather Service said in a forecast Thursday.

Rainfall could total between an inch and an inch-and-a-half in the Ocean State. Thunderstorms are also possible after 10 p.m., Friday.

Wind gusts will hit peak strength around 6 a.m. Saturday. In general, wind speeds will be about 40-45 mph — but the Newport and Charlestown areas could see gusts of up to 50 mph.

And that cold air mass? Current forecasts predict daytime highs in the high-40s by Monday — a steep drop from the 72 degrees much of the state will see on Saturday.