The quick moving Tropical Storm Elsa is expected to impact Middletown Friday, July 9. In response, the Town is making preparations for the storm, which is forecasted to bring two inches of rain and winds up to 40 mph.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Town Administrator’s office at (401) 849-2898 or mmaurer@middletownri.com
MIDDLETOWN PREPARES FOR ELSA
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (JULY 8, 2021) – The Town of Middletown is prepping for Tropical Storm Elsa, which is expected to sweep into the area Friday.
Town staff met Thursday morning in Town Hall to go over the Town’s planning to make sure everyone was safe and secure during the storm.
Because of the high surf and rough waters anticipated, the main parking lot of Sachuest Beach will be locked and closed to the public Friday.
However, Town Hall and all other town operations are scheduled to be open Friday for regular business. No delay is anticipated for the Town’s “Pay-As-You-Throw” trash, recycling and yard waste curbside pickup Friday.
“We’re looking at winds in the 20-mph range with gusts up to 40 mph plus and a total of about 2 inches of rain when it’s all said and done,” Interim Fire Chief Kevin Partridge said. “We’re going to keep a close eye on it.”
“We’re going to have extra officers on hand and Middletown Fire will too,” Police Chief William Kewer said. “With something like this, I know Public Works is ready to go to. With a storm like this, you want to make sure we stay on top of it.”
According to the latest projections, Elsa is expected to hit this area Friday morning and blow out as early as the mid to late afternoon.
Town officials said with any storm with significant winds, there’s a good likelihood of tree limbs and electrical wiring being knocked down, flooding in low spots and other issues.
Residents and businesspeople were asked to secure lighter items that might blow around in the wind such as bird feeders, lawn furniture and the like. If there’s a catch basin near their property, resident and businesspeople were asked to make sure it’s free of surface debris to help with the flow of stormwater.
Because of the potential for the loss of power, people were encouraged to have flashlights, batteries, water, a three-day supply of food and other emergency supplies on hand. For more information, visit https://www.ready.gov/kit online.
“This is one of those storms where we definitely have to play it by ear,” said Will Cronin, who oversees the town’s beaches and “Pay-As-You-Throw” program. “It seems like it’s going to be pretty quick moving.”
People were warned to steer clear of any downed wires and avoid low lying areas prone to flooding. Motorists were also asked to follow all traffic devices during the storm, including sawhorses placed out blocking access to local roads.
If there’s an emergency, residents and businesspeople were asked to call 911 to be directed to the proper authorities.
Public Works Director Robert Hanley said his team was in the process of prepping for the storm, making sure vehicles were fully fueled and equipment was all working.
“We just want to make sure everyone stays as safe as possible,” Hanley said. “If you don’t need to be out, don’t go out. Be patient. That’s true for every storm.”
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