Fall River EMS is urging residents to prepare now as a significant storm is expected to impact our area through the weekend.
The latest forecast calls for periods of rain beginning this afternoon and continuing through Sunday, with the potential for heavy rainfall, strong northeast winds, and wind gusts approaching 50 mph.
🌧️ WHAT TO EXPECT
- This afternoon: Rain is expected, with an 80% chance of precipitation. Northeast winds around 21 mph could produce gusts up to 39 mph.
- Tonight: Rain is likely, with northeast winds of 21–23 mph and gusts up to 48 mph. Between ½ and ¾ inch of rain is possible.
- Saturday: Periods of rain, potentially heavy at times, are expected throughout the day. Winds could gust up to 50 mph, with another ¾ to 1 inch of rain possible.
- Saturday night: Heavy rain will remain possible, with wind gusts up to 46 mph and an additional 1–2 inches of rain possible.
- Sunday: Rain is expected to continue and could be heavy at times, with wind gusts potentially reaching 49 mph.
With several periods of rain and strong winds expected, residents should be prepared for poor driving conditions, localized flooding, downed trees or power lines, and possible power outages.
🏠 PREPARE BEFORE THE STORM
- Never use a generator indoors. Operate generators outdoors and at a safe distance from your home to prevent dangerous exhaust fumes, including carbon monoxide, from entering your house.
- Check your safety equipment. Make sure all smoke detectors, fire alarms, and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are working properly and have fresh batteries.
- Charge your devices now. Charge cell phones and other essential devices while you still have power. Keep extra batteries available for flashlights and other emergency equipment.
- Prepare medical equipment. If you rely on oxygen or other essential medical equipment at home, make sure it is fully charged and that you have a reliable backup power source.
- Secure outdoor items. Bring in or secure anything that could be blown around by strong winds, including outdoor furniture, decorations, trash cans, and other loose objects.
🚗 USE EXTRA CAUTION ON THE ROADS
Stay indoors whenever possible. If you must travel, slow down and use extreme caution, especially during periods of heavy rain and strong winds. Never drive through flooded roadways—turn around, don’t drown.
If your clothing becomes wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible and get warm and dry.
⚡ KNOW WHAT TO DO DURING A POWER OUTAGE
- Pay attention to emergency notifications and power outage information in your area.
- Never approach a downed power line. Always assume every downed wire is energized. Stay far away and call 911 immediately.
- Do not attempt to move, touch, or drive over downed wires.
- Keep flashlights readily available and avoid using candles whenever possible.
❤️ CHECK ON YOUR NEIGHBORS
Please take a few minutes to check on elderly neighbors, parents, family members, and anyone who may need additional assistance during the storm.
🚑 FALL RIVER EMS IS READY
Fall River EMS has all 911 and Interfacility Transfer trucks fully staffed and ready for the weekend ahead. Our command staff in the office and officers on the street have been working hard to prepare for the storm and ensure our community is ready for whatever conditions develop.
The best time to prepare is before the storm arrives.
Stay safe. Stay informed. Stay off the roads when possible.
And remember, if you need emergency assistance, call 911.
