Thousands of Rhode Island Energy customers lost power on Friday afternoon due to a strong storm system moving across the region. The outages affected about 20,000 people statewide, causing widespread disruption.
The storm brought gusty winds and heavy rain, prompting Storm Team 10 to issue a Weather Alert earlier in the day. These conditions contributed to multiple power failures across Rhode Island, with the Valley neighborhood in Providence among the hardest hit.
Data from the Rhode Island power outage map showed nearly 15,000 customers were without electricity during peak outage times. The outages were scattered throughout the state, indicating the storm’s broad impact.
Safety warnings were also issued for motorists, especially concerning two major local bridges. The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority restricted crossings on the Newport Pell Bridge and the Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridge to only automobiles, pickup trucks, flatbed trailers, and commercial buses around noon.
Officials advised the public to exercise caution due to strong winds on these bridges, which can pose hazards for larger or more vulnerable vehicles. The limitations aimed to reduce the risk of accidents during the peak of the storm.
Here are key details about the storm’s effects in Rhode Island:
1. Approximately 20,000 power customers experienced outages.
2. Wind gusts and heavy rain caused widespread damage.
3. Providence’s Valley neighborhood reported significant power loss.
4. Bridge crossings were limited for safety reasons.
Utility crews have been actively working to restore power to affected areas. Updates and restoration timelines will be communicated as progress continues.
This ongoing weather event is being closely monitored by local authorities for public safety and infrastructure stability. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels for the latest information.
Read more at: turnto10.com
