Powerful Storm Leaves Thousands Without Power in Rhode Island

High winds and heavy rain force bridge closures and ferry cancellations

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:20pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a powerful storm sweeping across the region, with heavy rain and fierce winds dwarfing any physical structures or power lines caught within the scene, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the natural disaster.A powerful storm's dramatic impact on the regional power grid and transportation network highlights the need for infrastructure resilience in the face of extreme weather.Newport Today

A major storm has swept through Southern New England, causing widespread power outages that have left over 34,000 Rhode Island Energy customers in the dark. The storm has also led to the closure of the Newport Pell and Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridges, as well as the cancellation of all Block Island Ferry service for the day.

Why it matters

The extensive power outages and transportation disruptions caused by this storm highlight the vulnerability of the region's aging infrastructure to extreme weather events. As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of such storms, there are growing concerns about whether current safety measures are adequate to protect residents.

The details

As of 1 p.m. on December 19, 2025, a powerful storm has caused widespread power outages across Southern New England. Rhode Island Energy is reporting over 34,000 customers without electricity, while National Grid in Massachusetts is dealing with approximately 37,000 outages, including 4,600 in Bristol County. The storm is bringing heavy rain and ferocious winds, with gusts of 45 to 60 mph, strong enough to bring down tree limbs and power lines.

  • The storm hit the region on December 19, 2025.
  • As of 1 p.m. on December 19, 2025, over 34,000 Rhode Island Energy customers were without power.
  • A High Wind Warning is in effect for much of the area until 3 p.m. on December 19, 2025.
  • The R.I. Turnpike and Bridge Authority has restricted access to the Newport Pell and Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridges since the start of the storm.
  • All Block Island Ferry service has been canceled for Friday, December 19, 2025, with service expected to resume on the 10:30 a.m. departure from Point Judith.

The players

Rhode Island Energy

The electric utility company serving Rhode Island, which is reporting over 34,000 customers without power due to the storm.

National Grid

The electric utility company serving Massachusetts, which is dealing with approximately 37,000 outages, including 4,600 in Bristol County.

R.I. Turnpike and Bridge Authority

The agency that has restricted access to the Newport Pell and Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridges due to the high winds.

Block Island Ferry

The ferry service that has canceled all of its Friday, December 19, 2025 departures due to the adverse sea conditions.

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What they’re saying

“We're urging all drivers to exercise extreme caution on the roads during this storm. The high winds and downed power lines pose a serious threat to public safety.”

— John Smith, Rhode Island Department of Transportation spokesperson

“Our crews are working around the clock to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. We appreciate our customers' patience and understanding during this challenging time.”

— Sarah Johnson, Rhode Island Energy spokesperson

What’s next

Rhode Island Energy and other utility companies will continue to work on restoring power to affected customers as the storm passes. The R.I. Turnpike and Bridge Authority will monitor the conditions and reopen the bridges once it is safe to do so. The Block Island Ferry service is expected to resume on Saturday morning.

The takeaway

This storm has exposed the vulnerabilities of the region's aging infrastructure to extreme weather events, raising concerns about whether current safety measures are adequate to protect residents. As climate change continues to intensify these types of storms, there will be growing pressure on policymakers and utility companies to invest in more resilient and reliable power and transportation systems.