As heavy rain swept through southern New England Monday, Rhode Island’s buildings and roads took the brunt of it.
Shortly before 5:00 p.m., Providence Police tweeted that a building on Peace Street had suffered a partial collapse. The building was unoccupied at the time and no one was hurt during the incident.
UPDATE: Building collapse at 215 Peace Street. Heavy Police and Fire Department Presence. Several surrounding streets and intersections are blocked off. The building was unoccupied at the time of the collapse and no injuries occurred. Please avoid the area.
— Providence Police (@ProvidenceRIPD) September 5, 2022
The building collapse came just over an hour after Providence police advised residents to avoid a litany of streets that were completely flooded. I-95 in was particularly water logged. As police officers waded through waist-high water, a line of cars could be seen tepidly waiting at the water’s edge.
Doug Dubow was on his way back to New York when he became one of the crowd staring at the flooded highway.
“We’re walking, trying to find a bathroom break like many people and a lot of people are trying to turn around,” said Dubow.
State Police did their best to turn drivers around but it was a chaotic scene according to Dubow.
“A lot of people are sort of disappointed, they’re feeling like there’s no plan and they’re not seeing anyone clear the road or doing anything,” Dubow told Boston 25.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee took to Twitter to advise residents to avoid using the roads in the grip of the flash floods.
I just had a flash flood briefing with @RhodeIslandEMA, @RIStatePolice & @RIDOTNews.
— Governor Dan McKee (@GovDanMcKee) September 5, 2022
We’re urging Rhode Islanders to avoid all unnecessary travel.
Our crews are clearing drains on 95, 10 & 6 to reopen roads. RISP are working to escort stalled vehicles off the road safely.
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Shortly after 6:00 p.m. Providence Police tweeted that I-95 was reopened.
Areas of Rhode Island and Massachusetts remain under a Flood Watch until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
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