RI Weather: What Beaches Are Closed Today

Even as some state beaches reopen Monday morning in Rhode Island, a few do so cautiously, and one remains closed altogether. The state's Department of Environmental Management announced at 10 a.m. that "due to continued high risk of rip currents and expected strong undertow," Misquamicut State Beach is closed today.

Meanwhile, East Matunuck, Scarborough, East Beach, and Charlestown Breachway are open, but will be limited to knee-deep swimming.

The DEM had closed the beaches Sunday among some rough weather and dangerous rip currents. It had said it expected to reopen the beaches on Monday.

A rip current risk is in effect for Block Island, Newport, and Washington counties through Monday evening.

"Very strong rip currents will be life threatening to anyone who enters the surf," the National Weather Service said.

There is no word on when Rhode Island's beaches will be fully reopened

"Staff assessing throughout the day," the DEM said. "When in doubt, don’t go out."

Week's Forecast

The weekend rain was the start of what is expected to be a lengthy period of wet, humid conditions in the region. Forecasters are eyeing midweek for the next round of widespread thunderstorms, and even Monday is in danger of a few storms and downpours.

“A cycle of daily rounds of showers and thunderstorms is likely to repeat on most days this week,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Kyle Elliott said.

A hazardous weather outlook is in effect for the next several days, including Monday, when "an isolated severe thunderstorm or localized flash flood is possible," the National Weather Service said.

Later in the week, another round of severe thunderstorms is expected.

"Scattered showers and thunderstorms will bring locally heavy downpours late Wednesday into Thursday," the NWS said.

In addition to the rain, you should get used to the tropical humidity. AccuWeather said there could be a pocket of dry air Tuesday into Wednesday, but the humidity will come right back with a vengeance into Thursday.

As the storms come through, there remains an increased risk of tree damage and subsequently power outages. In addition, AccuWeather said this week's outdoor sporting events and air travel will be in danger of being disrupted.

Photo by C.M. Salvan submitted to Patch