Flood — Providence, Rhode Island

2024-01-10 · near Central Falls, Providence, Rhode Island

Event narrative

Places like Cranston and North Providence recieved 4.86 inches and 4.54 inches of rain respectively. In Central Falls at 1:00 AM EST a section of Higginson Ave was closed due to flooding. At 2:10 AM EST in Johnston the exit off ramps of Rt 6 East and Rt 6 West to Atwood Ave were closed. In Providence at 3:55 AM EST there was significant flooding at Charles St with several cars stranded. In Cumberland at 8:34 AM EST West Sneech Brook was out of its banks causing a section of Westwood Dr to be washed out.

Wider weather episode

A negatively tilted mid level trough swung through New England while at the surface a low pressure center passed directly over southern New England. This inland runner brought warm air so that all precipitation fell as rain, along with strong winds. There was a good deal of tree damage from the winds and widespread river flooding with many rivers going into major flood stage. Much of Rhode Island received 2 to 5 inches of rain, which combined with melting snow, led to significant flooding of rivers, streams, urban areas, and some homes and businesses. The strongest winds, gusting as high as 66 mph, were reported near the lower end of Narragansett Bay, but wind damage was limited. Minor coastal flooding was observed along Narragansett Bay

and the south-facing coastline during the early morning high tide on January 10. Of greater concern was the amount of beach erosion on the south coast including Misquamicut, where sand and debris closed Atlantic Avenue and produced significant erosion.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (41.8863, -71.4046)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1148348. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.