Politics & Government

High Surf, Strong Rip Tides Forecast

Rhode Island will feel the impact of Hurricane Leslie this weekend; the National Weather Service has issued an advisory for beach-goers.

Hurricane Leslie may be well offshore of New England, but the Ocean State is predicted to still feel an impact for the next few days.

The National Weather Service has issued an advisory for coastal Rhode Island, warning of high surfs and dangerous rip currents at beaches facing south and east.

Breakers of 12 feet or more are also possible. The high surf and rip tides are anticipated to last into next week, dissipating Tuesday or Wednesday. The threats will lessen on south-facing beaches, but persist for east-facing beaches for a few days longer.

Find out what's happening in Barringtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

High surf and strong riptides are a danger to swimmers, surfers and onlookers. Beaches do not have lifeguards after Labor Day. Onlookers standing on rocks, jetties or sea walls can be washed off the rocks by the powerful surf.

Due to the high surf, some inlet and harbor entrances will have swells that make navigation difficult for operators of small crafts.

Find out what's happening in Barringtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A strong cold front is forecasted to move through the area late Saturday night and into early Sunday morning, producing heavy rains and thunderstorms. These storms could bring damaging winds and heavy rain, possibly causing localized flooding in low-lying or poor drainage areas. 

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) is monitoring for any reports from municipalities of weather-related events.


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