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November 2, 2007

Update: Noel's remnants to hit with powerful winds

Remains of Hurricane Noel are projected to whip into a powerful ocean storm tomorrow, throwing rain and winds of 30 to 40 mph -- and possible gusts of 60 mph -- at parts of Rhode Island, which could take down trees and power lines and damage property.

In a 4:28 p.m. National Weather Service update today, the strongest winds are forecast for late morning through afternoon. The high winds are expected to subside during early evening as winds shift to the northwest.

In the Boston-to-Providence corridor, sustained north-to-northeast winds could rev up to 30 to 40 mph with possible afternoon gusts of 60 mph, the current forecast says. Winds will be somewhat lesser in inland areas, but damaging winds "are still possible as far west as western Rhode Island and the Merrimack Valley," the forecast said.

Coastal flooding is expected, and a flood watch has been issued for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency announced today. Rhode Island can expect two to four inches of rain tomorrow, the EMA said, and urban-area flooding is a concern.

"Rivers are low right now so there is less of a concern about rivers overflowing," Pam Pogue, state flood plain manager, said in the EMA statement. "The major concern is stormwater run-off. Storm drains also just simply may not be able to handle the run-off fast enough."

But the most powerful surf is expected on Cape Cod and the Islands in Massachusetts. The most punishing winds are projected to strike from Mattapoisett to Plymouth -- sustained winds around 40 mph and gusts peaking at up to 70 mph, the National Weather Service said.

The Coast Guard has warned mariners the storm will generate 80-knot winds and high seas.

According to its statement, the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency will activate the state emergency operations center to monitor Noel and the state's response to it.

The NationalHurricane Center includes an evening update on the status of Hurricane Noel, packing 80 mph winds, as it marches north.

Noel, a category one hurricane, was responsible for scores of deaths in the Caribbean.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney and The Associated Press

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 6:15 PM | Permalink

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