Rhode Island Energy suffered massive service disruptions Friday as a powerful winter storm brought 45-60 mph winds across the region. Over 31,000 customers were without power by early afternoon. The utility faces significant restoration challenges as damaging conditions continue throughout the day.
🔥 Quick Facts
- More than 31,000 RI Energy customers lost power by 2:00 PM on December 19, 2025
- Storm generated wind gusts between 45-60 mph with isolated reports of up to 81 mph on Block Island
- High Wind Warning in effect until 3:00 PM for much of the region; Wind Advisory for northwestern Rhode Island
- Additional disruptions include canceled Block Island Ferry service and temporary bridge travel restrictions that were later lifted
Storm Rakes Rhode Island with Damaging Winds and Heavy Rain
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A powerful winter storm moved across Southern New England on Friday morning, bringing periods of heavy rain and strong, potentially damaging wind gusts to Rhode Island. The National Weather Service issued a High Wind Warning affecting much of the state, cautioning residents and businesses about downed tree limbs and power lines.
Wind speeds reached dangerous levels across the region. Rhode Island locations reported gusts of 49 mph in Jamestown, 47 mph in South Kingston, 52 mph in Tiverton, and 46 mph in Westerly. The most extreme reading came from Block Island, where gusts reached 81 mph, creating particularly hazardous conditions on the island and impacting ferry service significantly.
RI Energy Response Amid Massive Outages
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RI Energy mobilized crews to address widespread power outages across its service territory. The utility’s peak outage count of 31,000 customers represented a substantial portion of the company’s customer base, requiring significant repair resources during the afternoon hours.
The outages were not concentrated in one area. Some of the largest numbers were reported in Providence’s Valley neighborhood, but problems extended throughout Rhode Island. Customers could report outages by calling RI Energy at (855)-743-1102 or by texting OUTAGE to 743674 (RIEMSG). Power restoration timelines depend on the extent of tree damage and infrastructure repair needed in each area.
| Power Outage Metrics | Status |
| RI Energy Customers Without Power | 31,000 (peak) |
| Time of Peak Outages | 2:00 PM EST, December 19, 2025 |
| Maximum Wind Gust Recorded | 81 mph (Block Island) |
| Regional Wind Warning | High Wind Warning until 3:00 PM |
Regional Impact Extends to Massachusetts and Transportation
Massachusetts experienced even higher outage numbers, with over 74,000 customers without power in that state by early afternoon. Gusts in Massachusetts reached excessive levels: 72 mph in Milton, 64 mph in Boston, 60 mph in Wrentham, and 58 mph in Norwood.
Travel disruptions extended across the region. The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority initially restricted traffic on the Newport Pell Bridge and Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridge to passenger vehicles, flatbed trailers, and commercial buses due to treacherous wind conditions. These restrictions were lifted by 6:12 PM, though the authority urged cautious driving as conditions slowly improved.
Business and Services Canceled as Storm Persists
Block Island Ferry canceled all service Friday due to adverse sea conditions, stranding travelers and disrupting the island’s connection to the mainland. The ferry operator expected to resume service with the 10:30 a.m. Saturday departure, meaning the 8:15 a.m. departure would also be canceled.
Roger Williams Park Zoo also canceled the Holiday Lights Spectacular Friday evening. The zoo is reaching out to ticket holders with options to reschedule or receive refunds. The cancellation illustrates how the storm impacted entertainment and recreation businesses throughout Rhode Island during the holiday season.
What Should Customers Expect Moving Forward?
RI Energy expects restoration could extend beyond Friday evening, depending on damage severity and crew availability. Tree limbs and downed power lines requiring manual removal take longer to address than straightforward electrical circuit issues. Customers in areas with significant tree damage may experience multi-day restoration timelines.
The utility urges residents to stay alert for additional weather changes. The National Weather Service forecasted that strong west wind gusts would develop Friday night as much colder air moved into the region. Weekend conditions were expected to gradually improve, but customers should prepare for the possibility of extended outages in their specific neighborhoods.
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