Newport Issues Weather Advisory: High Winds and Gales Forecast

NEWPORT, RI—The City is advising residents to be aware the National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Advisory for our area and a Gale Warning for our waters from 7 p.m. this evening until 6 a.m. Friday morning.

In the forecast are:

Strong to damaging winds : Massachusetts and all of Rhode Island;
Sustained westerly winds between 20 to 30 mph;
Strong westerly wind gusts between 45 to 55 mph, 60 mph wind gusts could be encountered at certain locations;
Isolated power outages are possible due to downed trees & tree limbs;
Strongest wind gusts are expected between 8 p.m. this evening and 4 a.m. Friday;
Marine concerns: All of the waters of Southern New England;
Significant impact for Mariners.
Strong Gale to Storm Force westerly wind gusts between 40 to 50 Knots (46 to 58 mph);
Seas building between 10 to 15 feet across the outer waters.

What you can do to help avoid or minimize any problems encountered:

Make sure you pick up any items in your yards that could be thrown by the wind.
Consider turning the heat up in your house a bit higher than normal so that if power is lost it will stay warmer longer.
Do not venture out onto the waters.

For loss of power or for downed electrical lines:

If you lose power contact National Grid’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-322-3223. This line is staffed 24/7/365. During periods of high outage activity, it is recommended that you use their Automated Outage Reporting System. This is a computerized system, not answered by a National Grid representative.
1-800-465-1212.

To report downed electrical wires contact the Newport Fire Department 401-846-2211 or call 911. Do not approach any wires that have fallen.

A wind advisory means that sustained winds of 31 to 39 mph are expected, with gusts between 46 to 57 mph. Winds this strong are capable of downing small tree limbs and branches which could cause possible power outages. Driving can also be difficult especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution when driving in these circumstances.