Midweek Storm to Bring Strong Winds, Possible Snow

Rhode Island is in store for more weather this week as a Nor'easter heads our way Wednesday and into Thursday morning. Forecasters are predicting strong winds between 25 and 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. Additionally, the storm will be bringing chilly temperatures and rain – possibly even snow in some areas.

The nor'easter is expected to hit the Northeast from Cape Cod down to New York City, which was hit hard by Hurricane Sandy last week. This incoming storm's winds are expecting to be even more damaging as many trees, limbs and structures have already been weakened by last week's superstorm.

National Grid is anticipating more power outages this week due to the nor'easter and has already started preparations. 

"While this storm is not expected to be of the magnitude we experienced during Hurricane Sandy, it still could cause damage to our system in New England," said Kathy Lyford, vice president of Electric Operations in New England. "We are developing plans so that we are ready to respond to service interruptions, but we also want out customers to be aware, monitor the weather and take precautions so that they remain safe during the storm."

At this time, the National Weather Service has "moderate confidence" that there will be accumulating wet snow Wednesday night into Thursday morning. The areas with the highest probability for snowfall will be interior New England, including western Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire and possibly northeastern Rhode Island.

Forecasters at The Weather Channel are also predicting coastal flooding with the nor'easter in some areas. Unlike during Hurricane Sandy, the flooding will not coincide with astronomical high tides. 

NWS is also warning that this storm will be dangerous for mariners with gusts between 50 and 55 knots. A gale watch is in effect for all of Boston Harbor and Narragansett Bay.