Good evening everyone,

A Tropical Storm Watch has now been issued for southern Rhode Island and the south coast of Massachusetts, including Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. More specifically, in Rhode Island this included Washington, Newport, and Bristol Counties. In Massachusetts it includes southern Bristol, southern Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket Counties. 

The basic thinking hasn't changed. Elsa is forecast to weaken over land before emerging from the Delaware/New Jersey coast. Although it would only be over water for a short period of time, it may regain minimal tropical storm strength before moving across Rhode Island and southeast Massachusetts Friday. 

Our primary concerns are heavy rain to the north/west of where it tracks (2-4 inches), strong winds south/east of the track (gusts to 40-50 mph), rough marine conditions, and an increase in surf and rip currents along south coastal areas. Coastal flooding is not expected. 

We continue to monitor its progress and updated forecasts issued by the National Hurricane Center (which come out at 5am, 11am, 5pm and 11pm daily). You can see the latest forecast information on the NHC webpage or our local tropical page.

Our next update will be emailed out no later than 6 AM Thursday. 

Thanks,

Glenn Field and Bryce Williams