Pawtuxet River reaches its 5th highest crest on record after heavy rain, snowmelt

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — The Pawtuxet River surpassed its fifth highest crest on Wednesday after heavy wind-driven rain and snowmelt overnight.

As of noon, the river in Cranston reached 13.3 feet.

Last month, the river reached its fourth highest crest on record.

The aftermath of Tuesday’s rain left flooding across Southern New England.

In West Warwick, the American Red Cross is setting up a temporary shelter at the Civic Center, hosting people who had to evacuate.

“What we do here is provide shelter. There are cots set up inside so the people can stay overnight,” said Sheltering Coordinator Kathleen Wong.

“We are working with the West Warwick Fire Department to make sure people are getting fed. Lunch will be brought and dinner later on. If they need supplies, since some of them left without being able to grab anything from their homes or apartments, we’ll help them with what they need to get through next day or so,” she said.

Those out on the roads should be cautious and drive slowly, as floodwater can be deeper than it seems.