Thunderstorms are dangerous and can produce lightning, tornadoes, wind, hail, and flash flooding. The National Weather Service issues alerts when there is a threat of storms.
Severe Thunderstorm Watches and Warnings
Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Severe thunderstorms are possible. Locate to a safe place in the home and tell family members to watch the sky and listen to the radio or television for more information.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Severe thunderstorms are happening or are about to happen. Go to a safe place, turn on a battery-operated radio or television, and wait for the “all clear” by the authorities.
*A severe thunderstorm has winds of 58 miles per hour or more and/or hail three-fourths an inch in diameter or greater.
During the Storm
- Constituents should stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel
- All emergencies should be reported by calling 9-1-1
- All dangerous issues that do not pose an immediate emergency should be reported to the Providence Police non-emergency line (401-272-1111)
After the Storm
All city service-related requests should be reported by dialing 311, the PVD311 application, or the PVD311 website. These requests include:
- Downed city trees and branches
- Downed or damaged city signage and other property
- Traffic signals and streetlights that are damaged or not working
- Waste Management issues that resulted from the storm
- General storm-related questions, concerns, or referrals
Please note the following parameters and restrictions:
- If the object in question is privately owned (eg. a tree on private property), it is the responsibility of the property owner to dispose of yard debris or hire a professional (eg. an arborist) to remove the debris. However, if the issue is impacting a public space (road, sidewalk, etc.) it should still be reported via 311.
Storm Cleanup
- Unless otherwise indicated, regular trash and recycling pickup will be provided on your normal day. Call 311 or the Waste Management Customer Service Line at 1-800-972-4545 with questions.
- Unless otherwise indicated, storm debris like broken pieces of property must be disposed of (if it fits) in your normal trash/recycling bins. If the item is larger than a normal bin can handle, a bulky item pickup should be scheduled. Information on bulky items can be answered by calling 311 or by visiting this link.
- Storm debris from private property (brush, tree branches, etc.) that is one inch in diameter or less must be bundled together and be cut down to less than 4 feet in length for it to be disposed of in a yard waste bin. Yard debris must be placed in paper bags or in open barrels clearly labeled YARD DEBRIS. You can pick up a yard debris sticker at DPW (700 Allens Ave.) or in the Mayor’s Center for City Services (City Hall Room 101).
- Large yard debris and private trees must be disposed of by the property owner or a private company they hire.
