The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that although Hurricane Leslie is forecasted to remain well offshore of New England, it will create high surf and dangerous rip currents at ocean beaches facing south or east. Breakers of 12 feet or more are also possible. High surf and rip tides are expected to last into next week. By Tuesday or Wednesday, the threats may lessen on south-facing beaches, but will likely remain in place for east-facing beaches.
High surf and strong riptides are a danger to swimmers, to surfers, and to onlookers. Many beaches do not have lifeguards after Labor Day. Onlookers standing on rocks, jetties, or sea walls can easily be washed off the rocks by the powerful surf.
Due to the high surf, some inlet and harbor entrances will have swells that make navigation difficult for operators of small crafts.
Late Saturday night and early Sunday morning, a strong cold front is forecasted to produce heavy showers and thunderstorms. Thunderstorms could contain damaging winds, and the heavy rain could produce some localized flooding in low-lying or poor drainage areas.
The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) is monitoring for any reports from municipalities of weather-related events.