Storm brings strong winds, widespread power outages to Southern New England

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A storm settled over Southern New England on Monday.

Damaging winds, downed trees, and coastal flooding are all possible, similar to last week’s storm, but slightly stronger.

Heavy wind and rain will once again align with the Monday morning commute.

Winds are expected to reach 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts up to 60 miles per hour along the coast and the Cape and Islands.

The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority restricted access to the Newport Pell and Jamestown-Verrazzano bridges during the high-speed winds.

The Block Island Ferry cancelled all service.

A wind advisory is in effect across the region until 4 p.m.

Southern New Englanders were advised to charge their devices and prepare for widespread power outages.

Nearly 5,000 people were without power in Rhode Island, and nearly 4,000 in Massachusetts as of 5 a.m.

Those numbers got worse later in the morning, with over 16,000 in Rhode Island as of 7:30 a.m. and 28,000 in Massachusetts as of 7:30 a.m.

Weather concerns and outages prompted several school closures.

Thunderstorms are possible in the afternoon. The storm is expected to reach its peak in the late morning to early afternoon.

The storm’s conditions are expected to improve overnight.

It will be followed by a prolonged dry period through Christmas.