Southern New England to see 3rd storm in less than a week

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — Southern New England is set to see its third storm in less than a week.

The snowstorm last weekend and downpouring rain on Tuesday resulted in excessive flooding as well as school closings and delays — and it doesn’t look like the region will get much time to dry off.

Clouds forming Friday night will lead to heavy rain and wind around midnight.

The height of the storm is expected Saturday morning. It will significantly improve by late morning or early afternoon.

A coastal flood warning is in effect from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Snow piles up in North Smithfield near the Woonsocket line, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. (WLNE)

This weekend will also bring back the cold after a sunny few days — snow showers are possible.

Armand Randolph with the Department of Emergency Management Agency said the department will coordinate with other emergency professionals and elected officials on any possible hazards in order to keep the public informed.

Randolph said coordination will include distributing resources for residents in communities at risk of flooding.

Valuable items should be moved from low-lying areas that could be flooded, like basements. Randolph said that as with any storm, make sure to charge all electronic devices, as well as make a storm kit with items like batteries, flashlights, bottled water, and non-perishable food.

Southern New England saw its first significant winter storm of the season last Sunday, with northern parts of Rhode Island seeing nearly one foot of snow.

Residents of Park Plaza apartments in Johnston are evacuated by boat after excessive flooding, Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. (WLNE)

Communities that saw less snowfall, like Providence, mainly saw slush, creating a wet wintry mix.

The storm came with two rounds of snowfall followed by a flash freeze with a sudden severe drop in temperature.

Heavy rain on Tuesday, combined with the melting snow, created high levels of floodwater across Rhode Island.

There was so much flooding across the region that road blocks were placed ahead of the Wednesday morning commute in many areas to prevent drivers from entering deep floodwater.

Rhode Island State Police were forced to temporarily shut down Route 146 after several vehicles became stranded in the rising water.

Flood damage across the state included a road collapse in a residential neighborhood in Cumberland.

Over two dozen Johnston residents were evacuated from their homes by boat.