Officials in several Rhode Island coastal communities have ordered some residents to evacuate their homes and businesses in anticipation of flooding that might result from Hurricane Sandy.
In Westerly, town manager Steven T. Hartford issued a mandatory evacuation order for all residences and businesses in Misquamicut south of Shore Road and the low-lying areas of Weekapaug, Watch Hill, Avondale and along the Pawcatuck River up to the Stillman Avenue Bridge.
People are ordered to evacuate their residences and businesses by 8 p.m. Sunday.
The police in South Kingstown and Bristol have ordered evacuations for low-lying areas near the coast by 6 a.m. Monday. Charlestown police said people in beach-front homes should evacuate by 7 a.m. Monday.
In Newport, officials have not ordered evacuations, but the police have communicated with some residents in low-lying areas, suggesting they should evacuate. The city closed Ocean Drive as of 7 p.m. Monday, and it will remain closed until the storm subsides, according to the police.
The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency said that 10 emergency shelters have opened around the state.
In Westerly, residents needing emergency shelter may go to the Red Cross Shelter located at the Chariho Middle School, 455 Switch Rd., in Wood River Junction. The shelter opened at 5 p.m. Sunday.
Westerly will provide transportation from the Westerly Senior Center at 39 State Street at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Sunday.
Pet owners may bring their pets to the Westerly Animal Shelter at 33 Larry Hirsch Lane until 10:00 p.m. Sunday.
Residents can call 211 for non-emergency questions.
With reports from Journal Staff Writer Randall Edgar.
This story was originally published at 4:55 p.m.