Irene Moves Closer: Update From Local EMA

A 48-hour pre-storm notice from the Woonsocket Emergency Management Agency sees Hurricane Irene still taking aim at the city, though later than originally expected.

A released yesterday predicted that the storm - currently a category 3 hurricane - would arrive before dawn on Sunday. The latest data shows that the storm has tracked to the west slightly and will arrive late Sunday evening. The track is expected to put the storm through Connecticut with Woonsocket on the east side experiencing more of the wind force and less of the rainfall.  Rainfall amounts for Hurricane Irene are expected to be 5”-10”, while Woonsocket should receive 5”-6”. 

Wind speeds are expected to be 75-100 mph, and Woonsocket should expect to receive these winds full force.  There is a possibility of tornadoes within the hurricane over land mass.  The hurricane is moving at a slow pace and the brunt of the storm may not be felt until Sunday evening, continuing throughout the night. 

Woonsocket Emergency Management has been in communication with the Mayor, and all major city offices including Fire, Police, Public Works, and Education departments, Red Cross, RI EMA, Army Corps of Engineers and Woonsocket Housing Authority to prepare for this storm event.  Notifications will be made to the public as soon as possible when needed.  Emergency plans are in place and will be executed when needed and a regional shelter will be located in Cumberland if needed.    

Although evacuations are typically only in place for coastal communities, evacuation instructions and maps for towns throughout the state can be viewed here.