Hurricane Henri - Friday, August 20, 2021 6pm
The National Weather Service has updated its forecast for Hurricane Henri currently predicting a category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 74 mph within the next 24 to 36 hours. A storm surge is in effect for all coastal areas for the potential of 3-5 feet of inundation, erosion, and secondary road washouts.
For the most up to date forecast and advisories, please visit National Weather Service Hurricane
Click here for additional information related to Rhode Island’s emergency response
Prepare - Now is the time to prepare for this major weather event. Hurricane Action Checklist
Residents should take steps to:
- remove or secure all outdoor furnishings
- test and fill up generators
- check sump pumps
- charge laptops and other devices
- have supplies on hand: water, first aid kit, flashlights, tool kit, sanitation products
- have enough food supplies on hand for five days
- check prescriptions and refill if necessary
- check in with elderly neighbors
Sand Bags Available at Town Highway Garage - Residents can obtain sandbags at the entrance gate to the Town Highway Division Garage located at 134 Asa Pond Road, Wakefield. Bags and sand are available to the right of the gate area. Limit: ten bags per resident.
Town Facilities - The South Kingstown Town Beach will be closed effective 5pm on Saturday, August 21st and throughout the day on Sunday, August 22nd. The parking lot will be closed during this time. The public is urged to stay away from the water’s edge and not go in the water as the surf and rip currents will be significant during the build-up to and throughout the storm.
Regional Emergency Shelter - The State of Rhode Island and The Red Cross have announced that a regional emergency shelter will be opened at a time to be determined on Saturday evening, August 21st. South Kingstown High School (215 Columbia Street, Wakefield) is the designated regional shelter for the towns of South Kingstown, Narragansett and North Kingstown. The shelter will have Covid-19 protocols in place for staff, volunteers and guests. Please check back for updates on opening time.
Local Traffic Advisory- The South Kingstown Police Department will be monitoring traffic and parking activity on secondary roadways, especially in popular coastal areas south of Route 1. Temporary parking bans for some areas are expected to go into effect over the weekend. The public is urged to stay off the access roads leading to the shore to allow for local traffic activity.
Evacuation Routes - The Town of South Kingstown has identified evacuation routes for residents and visitors in areas vulnerable to storm surge. For a map of evacuation routes please click here.
Power Outages - National Grid is prepared to respond to a Type 3 event (predicting up to 20% power outage), with response crews staged at Ninigret Park in Charlestown to address the South County region. Grid crews cannot address power outages until wind speeds are under than 35mph. If you lose power you can report an outage online at https://www1.nationalgridus.com/outages or call 1-800-465-1212.
Response to Downed Trees - The Town Highway Division staff will be dispatched to clear downed trees or tree limbs in order to keep roadways clear for public safety vehicles. If there are electrical lines down as a result of the tree damage, the tree cannot be removed until National Grid addresses the power lines.
Who to Contact - If the resources provided on this page do not answer your questions related to Hurricane Henri, and you must speak with someone, please contact the South Kingstown Police Department non-emergency line at 401-783-3321.