Severe storms hit Providence and Rhode Island again

The Providence, RI area has been subjected to its third flood-causing storm this month which has closed roads and schools all across the area. Over four inches of rain already fell on Providence and at least 1 ½ more is expected to come down.

The Pawtuxet River has already flowed over its banks and it is continuing to rise with cresting expected today or tomorrow. The heavy, steady rains have caused a lot of flooding and has turn small streams and quiet bodies of water into fast flowing rivers and small lakes which is filling basements. There were around 100 residents evacuated in one Cranston Valley View neighborhood already and more are expected to be asked to move out temporarily in some other areas in Providence.

Rhode Island is still under a state of emergency from the last set of storms which has forced the closure of several roads in many communities. People are being urged to listen to local emergency weather alerts as well as the weather reports and should prepare for the possibility of being asked to leave. If you live in Providence or the surrounding area, make plans with your loved ones so that everyone knows what is expected of them if your home is being threatened.

Residents and business owners in the flood prone regions can get sandbags to protect their property by visiting their closest public works facility or by contacting the Rhode Island Dept of Public Works. If you live in an area that is considered to be at high risk for flooding, you should prepare your home for the possibility of water damage. Be sure to take the time to clear your gutters and downspouts. Also see to it that your property is sloped correctly so that any build-up of ground water will run away from your home instead of toward it.

If you have had the recent misfortune of suffering some type of water damage due to flooding, be sure to take quick action to remedy the situation. Regardless if you have some water standing in your basement or if you see that your roof is leaking, it is imperative that you fix what is wrong and dry the area out. Harmful and potentially dangerous mold can begin to grow in as short of a period of two days, which will give you a lot more to deal with than just removing water from your home or business.