Rhode Island In Path of Hurricane Irene
Middletown surf reports show waves could reach up to 23 feet when the hurricane hits.The National Weather Service hurricane models show Rhode Island is in the direct path of the storm.
The National Weather Service (NWS) forecast shows that Rhode Island is in line for a direct hit by Hurricane Irene as the powerful first hurricane of the season makes its way up the Atlantic seaboard this week.
The NWS predictors also show the storm picking up strength from there as it tracks north along the Atlantic coastline. The storm is likely to make landfall in North Carolina Saturday before reaching Virginia Saturday evening.
Forecast models show the storm tracking directly into southern New England by early Monday and losing some power.
Big Waves
Waves at Second Beach are expected to begin building to 4-foot swells on Thursday ahead of the storm, then reach 6.5 to 9.5 feet on Saturday, according to MagicSeaweed.com, which the surfing community relies upon for marine forecasts.
On Sunday, the big waves are expected to pound Middletown's southern shore, with swells gathering at about 12.5 feet by 6 a.m. before reaching 23 feet by noon Sunday.
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Middletown Sachuest Beaches, Boat Ramps & Moorings
474 Sachuest Point Road, Middletown, RI
Sloan
12:17 pm on Thursday, August 25, 2011
I wonder how a dock at 3rd beach would survive this event. Anyone around there during the peak waves please take some pictures.
Sandy McGee
12:23 pm on Thursday, August 25, 2011
Please be safe if you do venture out and follow any instructions by your local emergency officials. However, if you do take pictures, please e-mail them to Sandy@Patch.com.
M. P.
2:12 pm on Thursday, August 25, 2011
Currently the NWS predicts a possible tropical storm for RI, not a "direct hit" hurricane (follow the link in this article to the NWS).