RI Missing Brunt of Irene; But Dangerous Conditions Remain

About 150,000 Rhode Islanders — a number that continues to climb — are without power as Hurricane Irene roars ashore in Connecticut and New York.

The good news is the back end of the storm should not contain the rain seen early on, according to the latest forecasts. While it appears the state escaped the hurricane-force winds it could have seen, Rhode Islanders can still expect high, gusty winds around 35 to 45 mph throughout the day, with gusts potentially over 60 mph.

The high winds have made driving conditions hazardous, as power lines continue to fall around the state. Officials are asking all non-emergency vehicles to remain off the roads.

The power outages are scattered throughout the state, not concentrated in any one area, according to David Graves, of National Grid. Crews were on the roads this morning working to restore power to affected residents, many of whom are in the Cranston area. National Grid crews will work throughout the day, whenever winds are below 40 mph.

The hurricane barriers in Providence are closed, according to Kevin McBride, Adjudant General of the Rhode Island National Guard, ahead of the high tide scheduled for this evening.

While the state apears to have missed the worst of Irene, officials cautioned all residents to remain safe as wind gusts could still present a hazard. They asked that motorists stay off the roads to allow cleanup and — especially — electricity crews to do their work.

"Hurricanes and tropical storms are very, very dangerous," Gov. Lincoln Chafee said. "So Rhode Islanders, please be very, very careful today."

Stick with Patch throughout the day for continuing coverage of Irene.