No snow, but storm could bring strong winds that knock out power for 'multiple days'

A storm that will bring heavy rain and strong winds late Tuesday into Wednesday will knock out power to some Rhode Island residents, the president of electric and gas utility Rhode Island Energy said Tuesday.

“These wind forecasts that could last an extended period of time are a bit concerning with this storm," Dave Bonenberger, president of Rhode Island Energy, said in a press release. "Couple that with significant rainfall on an already oversaturated ground, and we know that there will be outages."

RI weather updates: 'Active' weather pattern brings major storm to RI

So for the second time in days, after last weekend's snow and rainstorm, Rhode Island Energy is bringing in extra crews to restore electricity, Bonenberger said. The utility will have 2,200 workers, including line crews and call center staff, ready to respond to outages, Bonenberger said.

In a briefing before the storm hit, Gov. Dan McKee said 160 line crews and more than 100 tree crews would be strategically placed to offer assistance. State Police will also have extra personnel available, McKee said.

More: 'Active pattern': Storm to bring heavy rain, wind, possible flooding Tuesday, Wednesday

With the region caught in what forecasters call an "active" weather pattern, Rhode Island is preparing for its second major storm in three days, this one bigger but warmer than the weekend storm that dumped up to 11 inches of snow on northwestern Rhode Island.

The storm will likely bring 2 to 3 inches of rain to much of the region and up to 4 inches in some locations, according to the National Weather Service. The combination of heavy rain, melting snow and saturated soil could cause rivers, streams and streets to flood.

More: How much snow has fallen? Rhode Island snow storm updates

"Say goodbye to the snowy landscape as a heavy rain is expected to fall across all of Southern New England," the weather service says in its forecast discussion.

Will schools be open on Wednesday?

Rhode Island Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green couldn't say whether schools would be open as usual come Wednesday as those are local decisions.

"The decision will be made by each district depending on what the conditions are," she said.

Flood watch in effect in Rhode Island

A flood watch goes from 7 p.m. Tuesday until 1 p.m. Wednesday. "Flows in rivers may increase quickly and reach critical levels," the weather service says. According to McKee, the heaviest rains should have passed by 4 a.m. Wednesday. However, drivers are warned to prepare for their morning commutes and use caution.

Coastal flooding is also possible, and a coastal flood watch has been issued, with the wind offshore blowing from the south/southeast at 35 to 55 knots and gusting up to 55 knots. Waves in Rhode Island and Block Island sounds, which will be under storm warnings, could reach 15 to 18 feet, the weather service says.

High waves and storm surge in Narragansett Bay

In Narragansett Bay, storm surge could cause water levels to climb 4 to 5 feet above normal.

Coastal communities should prepare for high winds

For coastal communities, a high wind warning goes into effect at 5 p.m. for winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. In the Providence area, a wind advisory will go into effect for winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.

Residents should watch out for blowing debris, tree limbs and "avoid flooded roads," said Armand Randolph, a spokesperson for the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency.

The agency has been receiving updates on the storm from the National Weather Service and providing updates for local communities and McKee.

Residents should consider securing any outside furniture or taking down Christmas decorations that have lingered into January, according to Randolph.

Storm clean up and power restoration could take several days

Rhode Island Energy's Bonenberger said, “We would also encourage customers to be prepared. Like the storm we saw before Christmas, this one may require a multi-day restoration effort."

Rhode Island Energy suggests residents stock up on bottled water, charge mobile devices ahead of time and check on elderly neighbors and relatives.

Anyone who encounters a downed wire should assume it's energized, stay away and report it. Report power outages at RIEnergy.com or call 855-743-1102, according to Rhode Island Energy.

With reports from Journal staff writer Amy Russo.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI Weather: Residents should 'prepare to lose power' during storm