Some RI Beaches, Parks Reopen Following Tropical Storm Henri

NARRAGANSETT, RI — Several Rhode Island parks reopened Monday following Tropical Storm Henri, with several beaches set to reopen Tuesday. Campgrounds will remain closed until at least Wednesday.

"As relieved as we are that Tropical Storm Henri did not have the severe impact on Rhode Island that we feared could happen, our properties took some knocks during the storm, especially with downed trees and limbs," said Terry Gray, the acting director of the Rhode Isladn Department of Environmental Management. "I am proud of the response of our experienced and professional employees both for the advanced planning and the quick action to get those facilities ready for public use again."

The DEM manages 8,200 acres of parklands, 1,000 campsites, 400 miles of hiking and biking trails, 200 fishing spots, 67 unique recreational areas, 25 parks, and eight surf beaches in the state. Damage was extensive in some areas, including about 350 downed trees in Burlingame State Campground.

Beaches

All state beaches were closed Monday. With temperatures expected to top 90 degrees later in the week, the department focused its efforts on getting beaches reopened as soon as possible.

Following cleanup efforts, certain beaches are set to reopen Tuesday. Scarborough North, Roger Wheeler, and Salty Brine state beaches in Narragansett, East Beach in Charlestown and Misquamicut in Westerly will reopen Wednesday. East Matunuck State Beach in South Kingstown and the Charlestown Breachway will remain closed until power is restored in the area.

Scarborough South Beach is currently only open on weekends, for the last two weeks of the season.

Purple flags will fly on all reopened state beaches, indicating dangerous marine life. On Monday, DEM staff found Portuguese Men o’ War jellyfish washed ashore on several beaches.

Parks and Campgrounds

Only Jamestown's Beavertail State Park was closed Monday, all others were open even as crews worked to assess damage and start cleanup. Any state park visitors are asked to stay away from fallen trees, limbs and debris. Report leaning trees to DEM.RIparks@dem.ri.gov, since that could indicate structural issues.

All state campgrounds were closed Monday, and will remain closed Tuesday. The following sites are expected to reopen Wednesday:

• George Washington Campground: Chepachet
• Fishermen’s Memorial Campground: Narragansett
• Charlestown Breachway, pending power restoration

Charlestown's Burlingame State Campground won't reopen until at least Thursday, the department said, due to "extensive" storm damage. Also in Charlestown, East Beach Campground will be closed until at least Thursday to allow for restoration work on the sand trail.

Read more about refunds and rebooking on the DEM's website.

Tropical Storm Henri in Rhode Island: Read more

• 27K Rhode Islanders Still Without Power: Tips To Stay Safe
• How Much Rain Fell In Rhode Island During Tropical Storm Henri
  
• Tropical Storm Henri Hits Rhode Island: Photo Gallery
  
• Post-Henri Power Restoration Expected To Take 'Days' In RI