Low Risk For Thunderstorms Until 6 Friday: National Weather Service

CRANSTON, RI — The National Weather Service in Taunton, Mass., has issued a special weather statement and a hazardous weather outlook for all Rhode Island up until 6 p.m. Friday. According to the forecast, the risk of thunderstorms is low. But if they develop, they would be strong. The potential also exists for lightning strikes. People are advised to go indoors if they hear thunder.

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Taunton MA
1259 PM EDT Fri May 19 2017

MAZ017>024-RIZ001>008-192200-
Northern Bristol MA-Western Plymouth MA-Eastern Plymouth MA-
Southern Bristol MA-Southern Plymouth MA-Barnstable MA-Dukes MA-
Nantucket MA-Northwest Providence RI-Southeast Providence RI-
Western Kent RI-Eastern Kent RI-Bristol RI-Washington RI-
Newport RI-Block Island RI-
Including the cities of Taunton, Brockton, Plymouth, Fall River,
New Bedford, Mattapoisett, Chatham, Falmouth, Provincetown,
Vineyard Haven, Nantucket, Foster, Smithfield, Providence,
Coventry, West Greenwich, East Greenwich, Warwick, West Warwick,
Bristol, Narragansett, Westerly, Newport, and New Shoreham
1259 PM EDT Fri May 19 2017

...Low risk for a few strong thunderstorms between 3 and 6 pm across Rhode Island and Southeast Massachusetts...

There is a low risk for a few strong thunderstorms between 3 and 6 pm across Rhode Island and Southeast Massachusetts, with the best chance near the south coast. While it remains uncertain if any thunderstorms will be able to develop, the potential for localized gusty winds, hail, brief heavy rain, and dangerous cloud
to ground lightning exists.

If any thunderstorms are able to develop, they will be the hit and miss variety. Nonetheless, if you hear thunder it means you are close enough to get struck by lightning and you need to head
indoors immediately.

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