Coastal communities prepare for tropical storm

September 3, 2016 6:39 pm

By Bianca Buono

bbuono@abc6.com

@BBuonoABC6

Emergency responders in Rhode Island are gearing up for a busy few days as parts of the area are under a tropical storm watch. It’s unclear just how much rain and wind Tropical Storm Hermine will bring to the area, but what we do know is that water conditions will be dangerous.

"We think about the building and what we have exposed so we have a list inside of things we’re going to get out of harms way should we need to,” said Bob Leonard, co-owner of The Coast Guard House.

The Coast Guard House has a dark history when it comes to strong storms. The iconic restaurant located on Narragansett’s waterfront was destroyed when Hurricane Sandy hit back in 2012.

"Sandy pretty much took out the entire first floor. It pushed a lot of things out into the street,” Leonard explained.

Experts don’t think Hermine will pack as strong of a punch as Sandy, but Southern New England is going to be impacted.

"Tomorrow night into Monday morning, we’ll see rain we’ll see wind, again I think if you’re closer to the coast you’ll see higher gusts, maybe gusts up to 50 mph,” said Peter Gaynor, director of Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency.

Rhode island EMA is tracking Hermine’s every move inside the state’s emergency operation center. One concern is the storm’s timing since it falls on Labor Day weekend. They advise everyone, including surfers, to stay out of the water.

"Think about your safety but also think about the safety of the first responders that may have to come get you should you get in trouble,” said Gaynor.

As for waterfront businesses like The Coast Guard House that rely on an extra boom around the holidays, they’re not concerned. In fact, they say the storm could actually help, giving patrons a front row seat to the action.

"It has become more popular it’s a very nice place to come watch a storm, let’s say, as long as it’s not going to be a catastrophic one,” said Leonard.

Lifeguards in Narragansett say they’re expecting strong rip currents and surf up to 15 feet.