Providence officials prepare for hurricane season

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — With hurricane season underway and a category four storm already making its way across the Atlantic, it’s more important than ever to get ready for storms here in Rhode Island.

After heavy storms overnight and flooding last week, Rhode Islanders are already familiar with storms in 2024.

But with Hurricane Beryl rolling through the Caribbean, concerns about hurricane preparations are front and center.

“Early notification and warning about hurricanes and other instances of extreme weather saves lives.” said Clara Decerbo, the Providence Emergency Management Agency Director.

“We encourage everyone if you have not already, to sign up for CodeRED and PVD311.” Decerbo continued.

While hurricanes are the higher end of those concerns, even normal storms have caused flooding across Rhode Island.

Something officials are keeping a close eye on.

“We have folks who are flooding who have never flooded before. We’re seeing streams turn into rivers where that has never happened before. Last summer we saw the Jewish alliance, the Jewish community center on Elmgrove completely get flooded out in a – not really even that intense of a storm for what came after it. So, we’re seeing more intense storms, water coming down more quickly, and affecting more people.” said Ward 3 Councilor Sue Anderbois.

Providence’s 2025 budget includes around $136,000 for an additional sewer team to look into flood mitigation, as the city does its best to prepare for a season of storms.

“I’m confident that we are as prepared as we can be. but we know, as Clara mentioned, that the National Weather Service said that the forecasts are that this is going to be a more tumultuous hurricane season than in the past.” said Providence Mayor Brett Smiley.

“We also know that it’s been a long time since Providence has seen a direct hit major hurricane. And so, we act as if we need to be prepared as if it’s happening this summer, and then hope that it doesn’t.” Smiley continued.

PEMA officials say they plan on testing the port of Providence Emergency siren on July 5th, this Friday, and warn residents that they’ll hear that Friday afternoon.