Pawtuxet River spills over 14 feet, fourth highest crest on record

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — The Pawtuxet River reached 14 feet early Tuesday, making it the fourth highest crest on record.

The parking lot at the Rhodes On The Pawtuxet venue was filling up with a few inches of water at about 6 a.m.

According to the National Weather Service, if the river reaches 14.5 feet, evacuations across the Cranston and Warwick area are possible.

Many Southern New Englanders were still without power early Tuesday after the region was hit with heavy wind and rain.

As crews were working to restore power, another main concern following the storm was localized flooding.

The Pawtuxet River reaches minor flooding at 9 feet and major flooding at 13 feet.

The NWS said the river surpassed the major flood threshold around 3:45 p.m. Monday. It is expected to keep rising until around noon Tuesday.

Rhode Island officials are monitoring water levels across the state, including the Woonasquatucket, Blackstone, and Wood rivers.

The state Emergency Management Agency advised residents to make a disaster supply kit and make sure furnaces, water heaters, and other appliances are above flood lines.