Trees Down, Damage to Homes, Power Outages in Several Providence Neighborhoods

School delayed one hour; emergency workers responding.

High velocity straight-line winds of 50-75 mph that accompanied thunderstorms early this morning uprooted and knocked down trees, flooded roads and damaged homes in several parts of Providence.

The following neighborhoods were affected by thunderstorms and straight-line winds that crossed into Providence around 3:30AM Thursday:

• Cranston Street, Huntington Avenue and Niantic Avenue, Dupont Drive area
• West Elmwood area, Melrose Street, and the Reservoir Triangle
• Atwells Avenue, Broadway at Service Road #7 and #8
• Silver Lake: Form Union Avenue, Webster Avenue to Terrace and Pocasset and Plainfield Streets

Type of Damage: No reported injuries, trees down, flooded roads, moderate damage to some houses (roofs damaged by fallen trees / roofs blown off).

Power: 3,000 customers are without power. National Grid is already out doing repairs. Most customers are expected to have power back by 9AM, but some could go without power for longer.

Schools: Providence Schools will have a 1-hour delay.

Issues: Early morning rush-hour traffic will be problematic in some parts of the city due to impassable roads. The Providence Department of Public Works and the Parks Department's Forestry Division are removing trees. Contract trees crew are being recalled.

Emergency Numbers:

• Stayed tuned to local broadcasts for information on storm related updates.
• If power outages occur, contact National Grid at 1-800-322-3223.
• Do not touch any downed utility lines and report them to the Fire Department at 274-3344.
• For trees that are not posing a safety hazard, contact the Parks Department Forestry Division at 785-9450.
• In the event of an emergency, call 911.

Safety: Citizens are advised to stay away from downed power lines. Motorists should not drive through standing water. Avoid damage areas if commuting.