Third Tornado in Two Days Hits Providence Area; No One Injured

The third tornado in two days struck near Rhode Island’s capital city Friday, tearing a two-mile swath of destruction as it tore down trees and power lines.

No injuries were reported from the twister that hit North Smithfield, about 15 miles from Providence.

About 20 people suffered minor injuries when a tornado hit downtown Providence on Thursday evening, causing damage estimated in the millions of dollars. A tornado struck the town of Cumberland about 90 minutes before the Providence storm.

Tornadoes Rare for Area

Tornadoes are rare for Rhode Island because of its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Cool breezes from the ocean negate the vertical buildup of winds necessary for the whirling storms.

“Up until this week, we’ve had about one tornado every 80 years,” said Frank Ramella, who retired last month as chief meteorologist for the National Weather Service office in Warwick.

Friday’s tornado touched down in neighboring Burrillville, tore a half-mile-wide path through North Smithfield and crossed the border into Millville, Mass., Peter Branconnier of the local Civil Defense office said.

Heavy winds and hail destroyed 80% of the crop from an apple orchard, tore down trees and snapped telephone poles, Branconnier said. Two homes were damaged by falling trees.

Federal Aid Sought

Officials in Providence and neighboring Cranston reported the most severe property damage from Thursday’s storms, and Providence Mayor Joseph R. Paolino Jr. said he would ask for a federal disaster declaration.