Tropical Storm Isaias: Tornado Watch Issued In Rhode Island

RHODE ISLAND — A tornado watch was issued across Rhode Island early Tuesday afternoon ahead of Tropical Storm Isaias, which is expected to bring high winds, coastal flooding and periods of heavy rain to the state.

The National Weather Service issued the watch for all of Rhode Island and Massachusetts and parts of New York, Connecticut, and Vermont until 9 p.m. Rain totals are expected to be lower than initially predicted, with much of Rhode Island seeing less than an inch total. Wind gusts as high as 80 mph could bring down power lines and tree limbs, and hail is possible.

Both Middletown and Newport closed beaches Tuesday due to high surf and powerful rip currents. The NWS issued a coastal flood advisory until 11 p.m.

The Providence to Newport fast ferry canceled all trips Tuesday due to inclement weather, with service expected to resume Wednesday. The Block Island Ferry, meanwhile, canceled afternoon and evening trips for the traditional and high-speed ferries. The updated schedule is available online.

The coronavirus testing site on Block Island is closed Tuesday, the Rhode Island Department of Health said. All appointments will be rescheduled to Wednesday. All other test sites, including the recently opened site at the Rhode Island Convention Center, are open.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to start in the afternoon and continue throughout the evening hours, tapering off overnight. The latest forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday from the weather service is below.

Tuesday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Cloudy, with a high near 82. Southeast wind 8 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Areas of fog before 9pm. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Windy, with a south wind 21 to 31 mph decreasing to 10 to 20 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 9am. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Southwest wind 9 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.