The Pawtuxet River Floods in West Warwick, R.I
Photos and videos of the worst Rhode Island flood in 100 years. The Pawtuxet River spilled over its banks and flooded Old Navy, Warwick Mall. The RI DOT is working nonstop. A state of emergency was declared in Warwick, residents in Cranston are being evacuated, schools are canceled, and people were told not to flush their toilets.
Don't Miss the Photo Slideshow Below
Related Rhode Island Flood Articles and Slideshows
- UPDATE! E. coli Tests Positive: Video Rhode Island Flood Water Contaminated with Bacteria
- R.I. Flood Video Update: E-coli Contaminated Water Possible
- Pictures: Warwick Mall R.I. Flood Cleanup Continues, Stores May Reopen Soon
- R.I. Flood Sewer Update: Residents Finally Flush their Toilets and Take Showers Again
- R.I. Flooding: Pictures Rt. I-95 Open for North and Southbound Traffic
- Flood Updates: Rhode Island Flooding is Bad April Fools Day Prank
- Weather Update: Rhode Island Flooding Will Get Worse Before it Gets Better
- Rhode Island Flooding March 2010: School Closings, Delays, Road Closures and Pictures
- Current Pictures of Flooding in RI: Warwick Mall, Macy's, NYLO Under Water, Rain Storm Totals
- Flooding in RI Videos: Record Rainfall Totals in Rhode Island State of Emergency Declared
- Videos, Slideshow Photos: Rhode Island Floods: Obama Declares R.I. a Disaster, FEMA Help Expected
"Worst Flooding in 100 Years," says Donald Carcieri
According to cbsnews.com, "Governor Donald Carcieri asked residents Tuesday afternoon to get home by dinnertime to avoid traveling in what officials expect to be the worst flooding to hit the state in more than 100 years. "The worst is still ahead of us," he said during a broadcast carried live on the state's major TV stations. 'We're in a serious, serious situation.'"
Warwick Mall, Macy's, Old Navy Under Water
Not only did Rhode Island have to deal with major flooding earlier this month, which cost the state money it doesn't have, but the state's unemployment rate - the highest in the country - will now suffer as countless employees will be put out of work due to severe flooding. The Pawtuxet River ran right through the Warwick Mall parking lot, through Macy's and no doubt the entire mall. The parking lot became the river at about 2:00pm. A few unlucky people who didn't check on their cars, found their cars engulfed in water up to the roof in front of Old Navy. A lone bus sat in the mall parking lot with water up to its windows.
Walmart and Sears in Danger of Flooding
The Rhode Island Mall on the south of the Pawtuxet River houses Sears and Walmart. At 4:00pm on Tuesday, March 30, the river had jumped its banks and was almost up to Walmart's front door. Shoppers and employees rushed to get their cars out of the parking lot. Meanwhile, bucket loaders were dumping sand in front of Sears' glass doors on the lower level in hopes of "sandbagging" the water away from flooding the store.
Route 95, Route 2, Blackstone River
Route 95 had flooding and was down to one lane in spots. The connector from T.F. Green Airport to Route 95 was flooded in a low spot. Cars were still going through the knee-deep water, but only one car at a time. Route 2 on the west side of Warwick Mall was impassable with police at both ended. Still, drivers insisted on getting through any way they could. The water rose past the doors at Building 19. Garbage floated down the river and through parking lots. The Blackstone River in Providence and small streams and creeks around the area are in danger of flooding their banks.
Don't Flush!
The Warwick Sewerage Plant reporting flooding and warned people not to flush their toilets, shower, use the dishwasher, washing machine or any other appliance that consumes water. According to the projo.com, "City and Warwick Sewer Authority officials decided to close the plant on Arthur W. Devine Blvd., because they expect it will be flooded by the Pawtuxet River shortly and contaminate the area. The plant is located in a basin by the river, which is anticipated to crest late Tuesday or early Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service predicts the river will rise to 20 feet by Wednesday at 8 a.m. -- more than twice its flood stage."
Statement as of 6:49 PM EDT on March 30, 2010
The Flood Warning continues for the Pawtuxet River at Cranston.
* At 7:45 PM Tuesday the stage was 18.8 feet.
* Flood stage is 9.0 feet.
* Record flooding is occurring and record flooding is forecast.
* Forecast... the river will continue rising to near 20.0 feet by early Wednesday morning then begin falling.
UPDATED Rhode Island Rainfall Total Amounts 10:40pm, March 30, 2010
... Bristol County...
Warren 7.50 556 PM 3/30 spotter
... Kent County...
Warwick 8.74 1000 PM 3/30 pvd ASOS
Warwick Pond 8.00 536 PM 3/30 spotter
Warwick 7.98 408 PM 3/30 law enforcement
Coventry 5.20 657 am 3/30 amateur radio
... Newport County...
Tiverton 6.78 1240 PM 3/30 coop
Newport 5.40 1000 PM 3/30 uuu ASOS
Middletown 4.21 458 am 3/30 amateur radio
... Providence County...
East Providence 8.75 500 PM 3/30 spotter
downtown Providence 7.50 445 PM 3/30 public
west Glocester 6.89 745 PM 3/30 spotter
North Foster 6.55 400 PM 3/30 coop
Cumberland 6.09 202 PM 3/30 NWS employee
Woonsocket 5.72 610 PM 3/30 spotter
Burrillville 5.70 519 PM 3/30 public
Cranston 5.01 458 am 3/30 amateur radio
west Glocester 4.66 650 am 3/30 spotter
Woonsocket 4.61 800 am 3/30 coop
Burrillville 3.92 755 am 3/30 public
Pawtucket 3.82 1214 am 3/30 amateur radio
... Washington County...
North Kingstown 9.47 930 PM 3/30 spotter
Charlestown 8.22 630 PM 3/30 amateur radio
Hope Valley 7.12 813 am 3/30 spotter
westerly 6.38 1020 PM 3/30 wst ASOS
westerly 6.17 100 PM 3/30 ASOS
Charlestown 5.59 652 am 3/30 amateur radio
South Kingstown 3.18 1200 am 3/30 spotter
CARCIERI: 'Worst of the Flooding is Still Ahead of Us'
Nat. Grid: Conserve Power or Face Possible Rolling Blackouts
West Warwick Civic Center Open for Flood Victim Shelter
Sources: projo.com; cbsnews.com; abc6.com; wunderground.com
Photo: West Warwick, R.I., firefighters evacuate residents from their flooded houses near the Pawtuxet River, Tuesday, March 30, 2010. (AP/Stew Milne)
Comments
Walmart's parking lot wasn't bad and the store remained open, even as of 6pm. The Warwick Mall lot was off limits.
We were there around 5:00pm, and they were piling sand up in front of Sears' lower level with a bucket loader. The river had already swamped the parking lot. You couldn't get in around Walmart's garden center, it was too deep and the river's strong current going right though it.
My car is still submerged in the Warwick Mall lot. This is NOT good.
Why people decide to go to the mall so early on a rainy day....buffles me. Stay home!! The mall will be there, safety first.
I really am sad because my mom and i were suppose to go and get easter presents at Old Navy, and now that it's flooded we can't!
People are without homes and cars, and have feet of water in the basements, and you're worried about not being able to go shopping?? really??
Imagine the WATER DAMAGE FLOOD SALES at the Mall
Really people all you worry about is going shopping seriously, peoples homes are flooded! ugh you people tick me off
Let's not forget all those employees who work at the mall. This whole situation is really sad for everyone.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!