Inside the URI tools keeping Rhode Island ahead of the next big storm
A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State.
Enter Email
Sign Up
The Rhode Island Coastal Hazards Analysis Modeling Prediction System (RI-CHAMP) can run hypothetical weather models that show the impacts of an extreme landfalling storm on critical infrastructure.
University of Rhode Island / Screenshots
Advertisement
In June, the state Legislature's fiscal year 2026 budget included $200,000 of $400,000 in proposed funding for the tools.
The Globe discussed all three tools, funding impacts, and weather forecasting with three URI researchers: Austin Becker, Malcolm Spaulding, and Isaac Ginis, and Clara Decerbo, director of the Providence Emergency Management Agency.
Q. How does this suite of tools help Rhode Islanders plan for the next big weather impact?
Becker:
Coastal communities are facing significant risks from natural hazards today. Hurricanes, nor'easters, big precipitation events that will get worse and more intense with climate change. So that requires three things: good communication about what the risks are, understanding of how those hazards will affect properties, and infrastructure in the future so that we can make plans and not put things in harm's way.
Advertisement
What does RI-CHAMP (Rhode Island Coastal Hazards, Analysis, Modeling & Prediction System) do?
Ginis:
RI-CHAMP is a key innovation combining storm forecasting with a prediction of the impact on critical infrastructure and facilities. We've relied
on forecasts from the National Weather Service of hurricanes and nor'easters, then it's up to local decision-makers to determine the total impact on critical infrastructure and facilities. In RI-CHAMP, we combine these together where we simultaneously predict the weather and the impact.
Becker:
As a hurricane is coming up the coast, or a nor'easter, the models pick up some of the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center products. CHAMP takes that track forecast and translates it into flooding on the ground and wind at a very high-resolution local scale. Instead of a forecaster giving the public a forecast range of flooding — like 3 to 5 feet — these models allow you to zoom into specific areas and see how much flooding to expect, at a much finer scale.
This screenshot from the STORMTOOLS Risk and Damage App shows images of where flooding would be located and the severity of property damage.
University of Rhode Island / Screenshots
RI-CHAMP is loaded with details about critical infrastructure. How does that help inform decision makers — and the public?
Becker:
We're social scientists. With the facility managers, walking the grounds together and we identify the specific things at facilities that are in harm's way. We capture those coordinates. We take a picture, and we establish the threshold for an impact. So, let's say it's an electrical transformer — a big metal box — sitting on a concrete foundation. We work with that facility manager to measure the height of water that would damage that transformer. That all gets captured, as well as the consequences. Gathering this data makes RI-CHAMP better able to predict the impact on infrastructure during storms.
Advertisement
Ginis:
Another important application of RI-CHAMP is we can do simulations — hypothetical but plausible storms that never happened but could happen. We can envision significant storms in the future. We can include the effect of sea-level rise.
Showing a slide of hypothetical Hurricane Rhody, Ginis says that RI-CHAMP can run a computer model that instantly
shows emergency managers
the effects of opening or closing the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier
gates, for example.
Related
:
Are these tools accessible to the public?
Becker:
STORMTOOLS and MyCoast are completely publicly accessible. STORMTOOLS is used in the Coastal Resources Management Council permitting process. There are parts of RI-CHAMP that are publicly available. We are planning to make the flooding and wind forecasts publicly available this hurricane season.
What is the scale of funding needed to keep these tools working?
Becker:
My guess is around $1 million a year to keep all three of these going and robust and updated, continually meeting the needs of the various state agencies, the general public, and private businesses for planning, communications, and emergency management purposes.
What does RI-CHAMP do that goes beyond normal storm forecasting?
Becker:
When a hurricane makes landfall, the wind speed goes down considerably as it moves across land due to friction from land cover and trees. The resolution models have a harder time accounting for the differences in those wind speeds as a storm makes landfall. Our models incorporate that.
What are the future plans for these tools, and how is the University of Rhode Island investing in that?
Advertisement
Becker:
Our plan right now is to do some exploration and assessment of what a sustainable business model might look like. Is it a subscription-based thing? Are we providing one-off products? Currently, we have a proposal in review that would support business planning and help us develop cost-benefit analysis tools to really be able to show how these kinds of tools are an economic win. The question is, how do we get the initial funding to stand something up and make sure that we have a sustainable model so that it can continue without going to the feds for funding support? It's unclear if that support will be there in the future.
What else does the public need to know about these tools?
Becker:
It's not just science alone, it's science communicated to them in a way that is consumable and not overly complicated.
What is the risk to public safety and infrastructure without these tools?
Spaulding:
What happened is the permitting system that CRMC runs, which is the Coastal Hazard app, would disappear because the support for it would disappear. The people who have used the maps for planning — and statewide maps for roadways and emergency exits — that would all disappear. The support for some of the planning that goes into risk assessment would disappear.
The Boston Globe's weekly Ocean State Innovators column features a Q&A with Rhode Island innovators who are starting new businesses and nonprofits, conducting groundbreaking research, and reshaping the state's economy. Send tips and suggestions to reporter Alexa Gagosz at
.
Carlos Muñoz can be reached at
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
6 hours ago
- Newsweek
Millions Told To Monitor Unusual Fatigue, Palpitations
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Millions of Americans have been urged to watch out for unusual fatigue and palpitations amid concerns over high air pollution levels. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a series of air quality alerts on Tuesday for large swathes of Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Colorado, Texas and California. The warnings mean ground-level ozone and particulate concentrations are forecast to reach dangerous levels. In some areas, the pollution comes from drifting wildfire smoke. Why It Matters The NWS warned that the general public as well as sensitive groups — children, seniors, and individuals with preexisting respiratory or heart conditions—might experience health effects linked to poor air quality in the affected regions. "People with heart disease: symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider," it said. "People with asthma: follow your asthma action plan and keep quick relief medicine handy." It added: "Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease, heart disease, and children and older adults, should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion." The Statue of Liberty is seen through haze from Canadian wildfires earlier in August. The Statue of Liberty is seen through haze from Canadian wildfires earlier in August. Yuki Iwamura/AP What To Know In Connecticut and Rhode Island, Air Quality Action Days have been issued until 11 p.m. on Tuesday, covering urban areas such as New Haven, Hartford, Providence and Newport. The alerts mean that ground level ozone levels may approach or exceed unhealthy standards. Air quality alerts have been issued in New York and Massachusetts until 11 p.m., covering areas including the Bronx, Queens, Boston and Plymouth. In New Hampshire, an air quality alert has been issued until 10 p.m. In Minnesota, an air quality alert for fine particle pollution has been issued until 9 a.m., and in Wisconsin an air quality advisory has been issued for most northern counties until 3 p.m. Meanwhile in Colorado, an air quality health advisory for wildfire smoke has been issued for a number of western counties until 9 a.m. following the Stoner Mesa fire. In California, an air quality alert has been issued due to harmful levels of particle pollution from windblown dust in the Coachella Valley. And in Texas, an Ozone Action Day has been issued for the Dallas-Fort Worth area. What People Are Saying The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said: "If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill." California's South Coast Air Quality Management District said: "Particle pollution can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems such as asthma attacks, heart and lung disease symptoms, and increased risk of lung infections. Everyone can be affected, but sensitive groups such as people with lung or heart disease, older adults, people who are pregnant, children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk." Jonathan Grigg, a professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine at Queen Mary University of London, previously told Newsweek that there are "very clear links" between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. He added: "There are vulnerable groups and classically they are children because they've got an extra issue to do with their lungs developing, whereas our lungs are not developing as adults." What Happens Next The majority of the air quality alerts are currently set to remain in force until late Tuesday. Regular updates regarding air pollution levels are issued on the NWS website and on the Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow interactive map.
CNN
10 hours ago
- CNN
Flash flooding hits Milwaukee as heavy rain pummels millions across the Midwest
Heavy thunderstorms and gushing rain pummeled parts of the Midwest and Plains over the weekend, triggering flash flooding that caused water rescues and canceled multiple events in the Milwaukee area. So much rain fell in Wisconsin Saturday into Sunday that it could set a new state record. A rain gauge in northwest Milwaukee recorded 14.5 inches of rain over a 24 hour period, according to the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District. If confirmed by the National Weather Service, it would surpass the previous record of 11.92 inches set in Mellen, a town in northern Wisconsin, in 1946. Milwaukee County declared a state of emergency Sunday as the Milwaukee River crested to a record 11.19 feet, topping the previous high of 10.48 feet set in July 2010. Floodwaters swamped roads, stranded vehicles, and prompted dozens of water rescues. 'It's something that Milwaukee hasn't seen in perhaps a decade or more,' Milwaukee Mayor Chevy Johnson said at a Sunday news conference, noting his own family was affected. The region's beloved Wisconsin State Fair was forced to shut down early on Saturday, canceling a performance by famed rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Organizers canceled its final day Sunday after rains flooded the fairgrounds in West Allis, just outside Milwaukee. USA Triathlon also canceled its Sprint National Championships and Paratriathlon National Championships Sunday in Milwaukee due to flooding and damage on the course, the organization said. The flooding also hit Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, where runways, taxiways and an underpass tunnel were flooded, the weather service said. Rain could return to the Milwaukee area Monday evening, but poses much less of a threat than it did Saturday. Still, any new rain could also renew flooding with waterways still swollen. A flood warning remains in effect for Milwaukee until at least 10 a.m. Monday, as a few streams continue to rise while others slowly return to normal levels, according to the National Weather Service. The flooding rain was part of the same storm system that brought strong winds with gusts over 80 mph to Nebraska Saturday, where one person was killed and another was seriously injured by a large cottonwood tree that toppled onto their vehicle. Hundreds of inmates at the Nebraska State Penitentiary had to be relocated after storms damaged two housing units, with no injuries reported, according to the Associated Press. On Sunday, the Milwaukee Fire Department performed about 65 water rescues, working their way around 'hundreds of vehicles around the city blocking intersections, making progress absolutely impossible,' Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski said. A dozen fire departments from neighboring counties assisted with the response to the high number of calls, Lipski said. Brian Baxter, whose two teenage daughters were home alone near the Menomonee River Parkway, described feeling 'helpless' as floodwaters entered the family home as they waited to be rescued, he told CNN affiliate WDJT. The girls, Brailey and Brecken, called their parents in the middle of the night as water rose, sharing with them a video of the flooding. They drove back home but were unable to reach their daughters as floodwaters had covered the neighboring streets. Rescue crews eventually retrieved the girls and their family dog. Heavy rain will shift east into the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes through Monday, with lighter showers lingering in Wisconsin and the central Plains. Even with lower totals than Sunday, additional rain could still trigger flooding. Much of the Midwest will turn drier and cooler by midweek before another round of storms develops late in the week. This story has been updated with additional information. CNN's Lauren Mascarenhas and CNN Meteorologist Allison Chinchar contributed reporting.
13 hours ago
'What is happening?' Milwaukee area recovers from record rain and flooding
MADISON, Wis. -- The Milwaukee area began drying out Monday after weekend rain hit unofficial records in Wisconsin of more than 14 inches (36 centimeters) in less than 24 hours, leading multiple rivers to flood at record-high levels, washing out vehicles, flooding basements and cutting power to thousands of homes. No fatalities had been reported as of Monday morning from the storms that began Saturday night and stretched into Sunday. Road closures were more isolated Monday as flood warnings continued in Milwaukee, Waukesha and Ozaukee counties. About 2,000 homes in the area remained without power as of Monday afternoon. Residents couldn't believe what they saw as rains pounded the area Saturday night. Colby McMillan and a friend were driving home around 11 p.m. in Milwaukee when their car stalled out in what McMillian thought was just a puddle. Then the water started coming in under the door. 'As the water was coming in, it was like, 'What is happening?'' McMillan said Monday. 'It was very, very shocking to me. We had to get out of this car and out of the rain. I had never seen anything like this before.' They escaped and helped others avoid getting stuck like they did. But the car was totaled, McMillan said. The city of Milwaukee was still assessing the extent of the damage Monday as flood waters were receding, said the city's public works director, Jerrel Kruschke. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers declared a state of emergency after touring some of the damage in suburban Wauwatosa on Monday and called the flooding 'unprecedented.' Rob Sieracki lives across the street from a dog park that he said was completely underwater. One car was submerged, something Sieracki didn't realize until he saw a photo the next day. About two feet (60 centimeters) of water came up the front of his house, built in 1890, resulting in several inches of flooding in his basement. He also lost power for 15 hours. 'Because we're on a hill, we turned out to be relatively OK," Sieracki said. "Some water did come in, it's stinky water, we think it's sewage, but we'll be OK.' The flash flooding led to the cancellation of the final day of the Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis outside of Milwaukee on Sunday, as well as USA Triathlon's Sprint and Paratriathlon National Championships in Milwaukee. Thousands of athletes from around the country were expected to participate in that event. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said he's hearing stories of residents across the city, including his own uncle, who had water all the way up to the top of their basement. 'I certainly hope that a storm like this does not visit on the city for at least another millennium,' Johnson said. The National Weather Service predicted more rain for the area Monday night, but nothing like the prolonged deluge Saturday into Sunday that caused the flash flooding. 'There could be some areas that get some heavy downpours," said Sarah Marquardt, a National Weather Service meteorologist at the Milwaukee/Sullivan office. That could prolong areas with standing water but not result in additional flooding, she said. The National Weather Service said four rivers in the Milwaukee area hit record-high levels over the weekend. The official two-day rain total at the Milwaukee airport of 6.91 inches (about 17.6 centimeters) was the second-highest on record, Marquardt said. The record was 7.18 inches set in June 2008. The single-day total at the airport on Saturday of 5.74 inches (about 14.6 centimeters) was second only to the record of 6.81 inches set in 1986, Marquardt said. Unofficial two-day rain totals in the 10- to 12-inch range, with one reading exceeding more than 14 inches (about 35.6 centimeters) in northwestern Milwaukee County, would set record highs for the state once verified over the coming weeks, Marquardt said. The current state record is 11.72 inches (about 29.8 centimeters) set in 1946. The Kinnickinnic, Milwaukee, Menominee and Root rivers all hit record highs over the weekend, with the Milwaukee River going more than 4-feet over flood level, Marquardt said. A teenager clinging to a tree branch and standing on a submerged log was rescued by firefighters in an inflatable boat on Sunday afternoon after getting swept away as the Root River flooded a road in Franklin, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) southwest of Milwaukee. He was rescued unharmed about 100 yards (91 meters) downstream from where he entered, the Franklin Fire Department said.
