By Tuesday morning, winds had calmed and the rain had stopped from Monday’s storm, but rivers were still rising. The Pawtuxet and Pocasset Rivers crested Tuesday afternoon, closing nearby roads that hadn’t experienced such flooding since 2010. Pictured here is the Pawtuxet as seen at the Warwick Avenue Bridge from Cranston and above from the Shaw’s Market parking lot in Warwick.

Several apartments on Fordson Avenue off of Pontiac Ave were evacuated due to flooding late Monday night into early Tuesday morning following the day of extensive rainfall and winds approaching 70 MPH.

According to Fire Chief James Warren, The Riverview Terrace Apartments, adjacent to the Pocasset River, were monitored throughout the day by city emergency services. At approximately 10:30 Monday night, water began to rise rapidly and 12 apartments in the Riverview Terrace Complex were evacuated. Evacuees were brought to an emergency shelter set up by the Red Cross at the Senior Enrichment Center, where several families spent the night, though others elected to stay with family and friends.

Water continued to rise throughout the night, cresting Tuesday morning. The fire chief said the building sustained minimal damage and most evacuated families will be able to return to their apartments by Wednesday. Power and gas was shut off for the entire complex, and was in the process of being restored Tuesday afternoon..
Cranston Emergency Services also monitored significant flooding at Wellington Avenue near Elmwood Avenue, Fletcher Avenue and Perkins Avenue. They are also monitoring the dam on Seven-Mile Road in Fiskeville.

At 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, Rhode Island Dept. of Transportation closed the Pontiac Avenue Bridge near the CLCF building for inspection, due to water reaching the top of the bridge.
Warren said Tuesday that the floodwaters won’t fully recede until after high tide, which they expect between 7 a.m. and noon Wednesday.
The Mayor offered his gratitude for all involved in the city’s efforts during and after the flooding in a statement made Tuesday.

“I’m proud of our city personnel and all resources that contributed to Cranston’s response during and after this unprecedented rainstorm.
Prior to the storm event, my administration led advanced emergency management efforts in conjunction with Cranston’s fire, police, highway, and senior services departments. Aside from expected street flooding, we were challenged with the overflowing of the Pawtuxet and Pocasset rivers.

…

I must express my deepest gratitude for the performance of our dedicated team in Cranston involving all aspects of my administration. Everyone from our police and fire department personnel to the staff of our Senior Center played a crucial role in keeping Cranston safe.” (Cranston Herald photos and staff reports)