Blessing of the Fleet organizers prepare for possible weather disruptions
NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (WLNE) — Organizers of the annual Blessing of the Fleet celebration are preparing for the potential of strong storms Friday night.
The three-day festival started in 1972.
Of particular concern Friday is the popular road race.
The walking portion starts at 5 p.m. and the running portion starts at 6 p.m.
Heads up – today is a Stormtracker alert as we’re tracking extreme heat and the possibility for storms this afternoon. Feels-like temperatures later on will be approaching 100° before the storms begin, some of which could bring gusty winds and downpours. #RIwx @ABC6 pic.twitter.com/msZ2OXJ4Wg
— Tyler Hughes (@TylerHughesWX) July 25, 2025
In a social media post Friday, the Narragansett Lions Club, which organizes the event, said it is putting a contingency plan in place for the race.
If a shelter in place is issued by organizers, participants can go to the gym at Narragansett Pier Middle School and the gym and auditorium at Narragansett High School.
Organizers expect the run to start at 6 p.m. as planned, but said walkers may be delayed until after the runners.
Participants were advised to listen for loudspeaker announcements.
The Narragansett Fire Department said runners should also stay alert to email notices from race organizers.
Police said there will be parking restrictions on both sides of Kingstown Road from Caswell Street to Memorial Square through 10 p.m. Friday.
A number of roads will also be closed during parts of the road race.
According to police, those include:
*South Pier Rd from Avice St to Ocean Rd
*Ocean Rd from South Pier Rd to Knowlesway
*Knowlesway from Ocean Rd to Point Judith.
*Northbound breakdown lane on Point Judith Rd
*Old Point Judith Rd, Kinney Ave, and Gibson Ave
*South Pier from Gibson to Avice St
*Avice St
*Eastbound breakdown lane on Kingstown Rd from Avice St to Narragansett Ave
*Kingstown Rd from Narragansett Ave (Taylor’s Garage) to Memorial Square
