PROVIDENCE, R.I.—The National Weather Service warns Rhode Island residents to prepare for winds strong enough to uproot trees, storm surges of up to two feet, high surf and dangerous rip currents when Hurricane Earl sweeps off the coast.
The agency issued a tropical storm watch on Wednesday for Block Island, Bristol, Eastern Kent, Kent, New London, Newport, Providence, Southeast Providence and Washington.
It says winds of between 39 mph to 73 mph are possible Friday into Saturday morning across the coast, including Block Island.
High surf and dangerous rip currents will arrive Thursday and the conditions will continue Friday as Hurricane Earl makes its closest approach to southern New England.
On Wednesday evening, Earl was a powerful Category 4 hurricane with winds of 135 mph, but is expected to weaken as it moves north.
