‘There are signs’ tornado touched down in Johnston, mayor says

JOHSNTON, R.I. (WLNE) — Mayor Joe Polisena Jr. said Friday that there were “signs” of a tornado touchdown in Johnston.

The tornado, said Polisena, touched down off Byron Randall Road in Scituate on the Johnston-Scituate line — near Peck Hill Road in Johnston.

The mayor said Friday’s heavy rain and winds caused powerline and property damage across the town. Most of the damage happened on Peck Hill Road.

“We have reports of multiple uprooted trees and property damage,” the Democrat wrote on social media.

Polisena said the Public Works Department building was without power.

Video shared with ABC 6 News showed a funnel cloud on Interstate 295 in Johnston. Low clouds were then seen shortly after, as well as a car crash.

The Department of Transportation said the car spun out before it rolled over at exit 10. The right lane was blocked for almost an hour.

It’s unclear at this time what caused the car the spin out.