RI Could Dodge Worst of Sandy

Rhode Island and southeastern New England will be battered by damaging winds, heavy rain and coastal flooding, although it could be spared the worst of Hurricane Sandy, according to a accuweather.com forecast early Sunday afternoon.

People should not just focus on the center for greatest impact and damage, according to accuweather.com: “The storm is different than a typical nor'easter in that it will be very strong, very large and rolling inland from the east, like a hurricane. It will retain some features of a hurricane, but spread out over a much larger area than a typical hurricane.”

Winds will increase steadily through Monday with the highest winds likely Monday afternoon and Monday night, according to the accuweather.com forecast. Gusts of 60 to 80 mph are forecast over much of southern New England with the greatest frequency likely along the South Coast and the hilltops.

A storm surge of 4 to 8 feet is likely in southeastern New England, although winds are not expected to funnel the water directly into Narragansett Bay on Monday. See the complete accuweather.com forecast by clicking here.