The National Weather Service (NWS) has extended a wind advisory on Thursday morning as strong, damaging winds from a passing nor'easter continue to effect Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.
Although Coventry has remained virtually untouched by power outages, throughout the state about 4,668 Rhode Island customers were in the dark at 8:15 a.m., according to National Grid's power outage map.
Gusts of up to 45 mph with sustained winds of 20 mph to 30 mph are expected to last through 3 p.m. today.
"Winds this strong are capable of downing small tree limbs and branches, possibly causing isolated power outages," states the advisory issued by the NWS in Taunton, MA. "Driving can also be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles."
The Newport Pell and Jamestown bridges had closed traffic to box trucks and certain commercial vehicles around 6:15 a.m. due to sustained gusty winds. The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority removed the vehicle restrictions just before 10 this morning. The Sakonnet River and Mount Hope bridges remain open.