Rain and wind expected to intensify late tonight in R.I.

Get ready for some wet weather over the next three days Rhode Island.

The National Weather Service is warning of strong and damaging winds in coastal areas, especially Thursday afternoon. Coastal areas will see sustained winds of 20 to 40 mph and gusts of 40 to 60 mph, while interior areas will see sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts of 25 to 45 mph.

The weather service also says there is a risk of inland flooding in Rhode Island. Most of the state is expected to see 3 inches of rain over the next three days, with the highest amounts on the East Bay and Aquidneck Island. If the storm shifts, there is a possibility that parts of the state could get more than 6 inches. The heaviest rain is expected to fall late Wednesday night through Thursday night.

While the rain will ease up late Friday, it may not move out completely until late Saturday afternoon. The latter part of the Columbus Day weekend looks much better, with sunny skies and temperatures expected to reach the upper 60s.