RI Storm Update: 30k Still In The Dark | Patch PM

In the wake of a powerful storm that tore across Rhode Island and Massachusetts on Thursday night, thousands of residents remain in the dark as communities struggle to recover. Early Thursday evening, 30,072 National Grid customers across the state remained without power.

In South County, the Department of Environmental Management closed Point Judith and Potters Ponds to shellfishing out of an abundance of caution. After four inches of rain fell in the area, bacteria in the water is expected to exceed safe levels, the department said.

Meanwhile in the East Bay, more than a thousand residents have had their power restored. As of 5 p.m., 252 people were without power, down from approximately 1,700 earlier in the day.

Here's a look at Thursday's other top headlines from around the Rhode Island Patch network.

I-195 Gano Street Exit To Reopen

The exit has been closed since last August as part of ongoing road work in the area.

Registered Sex Offender Again Charged With Child Porn Possession

Vincent "Jack" Siravo was previously convicted of child porn possession in 2014 and was given a five-year suspended sentence.

City Of Providence Searching For The Perfect Trees

Although the weather outside isn't frightful, the city of Providence is gearing up for the holiday season.