Bands of rain and gusty winds were felt across the Island early Sunday, as Henri, downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm, approached the New England coastline. All ferry service to the Vineyard has been canceled through 5 p.m. Sunday. The Agricultural Society canceld the fourth day of the fair.
At 8 a.m. Sunday, Henri was situated about 80 miles south of Providence, R.I. with maximum sustained winds of 70 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service in Taunton.
The storm was moving slowly and expected to make landfall between eastern Long Island and Naragansett Bay. The Vineyard remains under a storm surge warning and tropical storm conditions, including rip currents at ocean beaches, are expected throughout the day and evening. Power outages are possible from downed trees.
The Steamship Authority has canceled all ferry service at least through noon Sunday, and is posting updates on a dedicated storm web page. The Oak Bluffs terminal is closed, and all ferry service is running out of Vineyard Haven.
Islanders battened down in advance of the storm all weekend, hauling boats and jaming grocery stores and farm stands. Some travelers left in advance of the storm, but many did not. Beaches were crowded and the Agricultural Fair saw heavy attendance.
