Update: Cancellations Abound As Irene Approaches

Irene will likely be downgraded to a tropical storm as it hits New England, Bob Thompson of the National Weather Service has reported to emergency officials.

But the storm will still produce the most widespread wind event the area has seen in years, Thompson explained.

Sustained winds of 30 to 50 miles per hour are expected, with gusts of more than 60 to 70 miles per hour possible in higher terrain. This is strong enough to take down a lot of trees, particularly since, unlike in winter, there is full foliage.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch and a Tropical Storm Warning for the area and thuderstorms are expected to continue throughout the day.

Tropical force winds are expected to arrive this morning with the possibility of Category 1 winds Sunday afternoon.   Rainfall amounts for Hurricane Irene are expected to be 2”-4” in most of RI; 3”-6” in Northwest RI.  The heaviest rainfall should occur tonight through Sunday morning.  Monday's forecast is for sunny conditions and mild temperatures.

The regional is located at the Cumberland High School, 2600 Mendon Road, Cumberland.                  

As the storm made its way up the coast Saturday night, reports of power outages and downed trees extended from North Carolina to Delaware. According to The Weather Channel, more than 2 million homes across the east coast were without power as of 12 a.m. Sunday morning.

National Grid is prepared to work around clock to ensure reliable service throughout the storm. To receive mobile updates from Natl Grid on the storm restoration efforts, Text Irene to 50101. Power outages can be reported online or by calling 1-800-465-1212 in New England & 1-800-867-5222

To report a gas emergency by phone, call: (800) 640-1595.

The following is a list of local cancellations:

- no services

- Will be clos Sunday 8/28 and Monday 8/29

Open House cancelled

Open House cancelled

Open House cancelled

: No Sunday Services; Cancel Activities.

: No Sunday Services.

: no Sunday masses. 4 p.m. Saturday mass still on.

: No Sunday Services

ACI Visitation: All Visits Cancelled 8/28; No visits Sunday

Woonsocket Public Schools: Closed Mon August 29, 2011; - all activities cancelled

Tolls are free on the Mass Pike from midnight until 10 p.m. Sunday.

Add your cancellations in the comments below or email Editor Sandy Phaneuf at sandra.phaneuf@patch.com to have it added to the list.