Operation Winter Weather – Snow day(s)

Updates in RED

As you read this there are probably fast flakes accumulating outside. Here is Governor McKee’s information as we prepare for the snow, and other helpful information.

Governor McKee: Ahead of tomorrow’s winter storm, Governor Dan McKee today signed an executive order implementing a tractor-trailer travel ban and closing State government on Tuesday. The Governor is also strongly urging Rhode Islanders to stay off the roads, especially between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesday. 

“We are strongly urging Rhode Islanders to stay off the roads during the snowstorm tomorrow to allow the plows to do their job,” said Governor Dan McKee. “We are encouraging businesses and employers to give their employees as much flexibility as possible.”  

From midnight until further notice, tractor-trailers will be prohibited on all interstate highways and state roads. This travel restriction was made in close coordination with Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York. 

The latest models predict that light snow will begin between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. on Tuesday, with the heaviest snowfall occurring between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Tuesday. We are expecting snowfall totals to range from 3 to 14 inches across various parts of the state. 

Earlier today, Governor McKee convened his cabinet to coordinate the state’s storm response. Here is how Rhode Island is preparing: 

• The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will have plow crews reporting for duty three hours ahead of the expected storm start time to pre-treat roads. RIDOT has 450 plows available for the storm, an increase in resources from previous winter seasons. RIDOT is fully stocked with 60,000 tons of salt. There will also be extra tow trucks on standby to quickly clear any potential disabled vehicles in the Washington Bridge bypass lanes.

• The Office of Energy Resources is in contact with Rhode Island Energy (RIE) and the state’s delivered fuel terminals to closely monitor the storm’s impact on power and fuel supplies across the state. RIE is adding 75 external line crews on top of their 50 internal line crews to support swift power restoration efforts. RIE is also bringing in more than 80 forestry teams to help with downed trees and other vegetation. RIE will open its storm room at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning.

• Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) is in communication with local emergency management agencies across the state to ensure communities have the necessary support in place. RIEMA will coordinate situational updates to state government, municipalities, and other partners throughout the storm. RIEMA’s list of local warming centers can be found at RIEMA.RI.GOV.

• The Department of Housing is activating its emergency pop-up shelters that will be open to Rhode Islanders in need. These locations are in addition to the state’s existing shelter network. Details can be found at RIEMA.RI.GOV. 

• Newport: MLK Community Center, 20 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Blvd, Newport, RI 02840 

• Peace Dale (South Kingstown): Welcome House, 8 North Rd, Peace Dale, RI 02879 

• Providence: Crossroads RI Community Room, 160 Broad St, Providence, RI 02903 

• Westerly: WARM Center, 56 Spruce St, Westerly, RI 02891

• West Warwick: West Warwick Civic Center, 100 Factory St, West Warwick, RI 02893

• Woonsocket: 55 Cummings Way, Woonsocket, RI 02895

Rhode Island State Police is prepared with additional troopers across the state ready to assist motorists wherever needed.

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SCHOOLS

Most school systems, if not all, will be closed on Tuesday, following Providence’s early announcement. Some schools will go to virtual learning, others a hybrid, and others just use it as a snow day. Check with your local school departments.

NOTE: The PC Friars game is set to be played Tuesday night at 7pm at the AMP, though there will be no classes on campus today.

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If you MUST drive

Drive safely. Do not turn your car on if there is snow in the exhaust pipes or if your car is backed up against a snow bank. Remove snow from the exhaust pipes first. Make sure there is room around the exhaust pipe.

Make an emergency kit for your car. Your car emergency kit should include:

• a portable charger for your cell phone,
• clothing to keep you warm (like an extra hat, coat, mittens, and blankets),
• a windshield scraper,
• a flashlight with extra batteries,
• water and non-perishable food,
• a first aid kit,
• cat litter or sand to help move your tires on ice,
• road salt to melt ice,
• a hazard sign or other reflective materials,
• and jumper cables

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Buses

7 RIPTA routes have been detoured – service to CCRI and URI suspended Tuesday – check HERE for changes

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Parking Bans

Bristol Parking Ban – Mon, 11pm Until Further Notice

Central Falls Parking Ban – 9:00pm Monday until further notice. Dexter and Broad Street are exempt during business hours. Public parking is available at the lots listed here (https://bit.ly/4byjDZ4). 

Cranston Parking Ban – 11pm, Mon, 2/12, until further notice

Cumberland Parking Ban – 12AM through 9PM Tuesday

Lincoln Parking Ban – Mon 9PM through Tues 9PM

North Smithfield Parking Ban – Starts 2AM Tuesday

Pawtucket Parking Ban – in place now – with info on alternative places to park, go HERE.

Portsmouth Parking Ban – 2/13 0400 until 2/14 0100

Providence Parking Ban – starts midnight Monday

Scituate Parking Ban – Mon, 2/12, 11pm – Weds, 2/14, 6am

Smithfield Parking Ban – 2/13 12am- 2/14 7am

Warwick Parking Ban – Begins Monday at 8pm

West Greenwich Parking Ban – 11PM 2/12 until further notice

West Warwick Parking Ban – 10pm until further notice

Woonsocket Parking Ban – 2/12/24 11pm, until further notice

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Safe shoveling?

Shovel safely. Do not overexert yourself while shoveling snow. If you have a history of heart trouble, talk to your doctor to make sure it is safe for you to shovel snow. Drink plenty of water, dress warmly, and warm up the muscles in your arms and legs before you start shoveling. Don’t pick up too much snow at once. Instead of throwing the snow, try to push it in the direction you want. This helps protect your back. Listen to your body—if you feel tired or feel tightness in your chest, stop shoveling.

Seniors Shoveling.The following cities/towns have set up programs to help seniors or those with disabilities shovel out their homes. These cities have programs in place (they provide on an as needed basis and IF volunteers can be found:

Pawtucket: UPDATE: This program is full, with a wait list. If any seniors have signed up for the program, they can expect assistance from their designated student to shovel snow.

Please contact Mayor Grebien’s office, call 401 728-0500, Ext. 281 or email [email protected] to get on the list.

Central Falls: contact 519-8228 or [email protected]

Property owners are required by law to clear the sidewalks in front of their home/business, and cannot shovel snow into the street.

Prevent slips and falls. De-ice the sidewalk, driveway, and any well-traveled areas outside your home.

Check on older family, friends, and neighbors. Older adults are more at risk for negative health impacts from extreme temperatures.

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My Emergency Plan booklet

If you haven’t put information all in one place, you can start by completing this booklet:

https://health.ri.gov/forms/plans/MyEmergencyPlan.pdf

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Warming Centers by city/town

Warming Centers have been set up in nearly every city and town in Rhode Island. See the list put together by the RI EMA – call before you go!

https://riema.ri.gov/planning-mitigation/resources-businesses/warming-centers

Providence has announced its own list of Warming Centers – HERE

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Traveling to Boston area? Know this!

BOSTON Mayor Wu declared a snow emergency and parking ban starting at 10 pm MONDAY, Feb. 11. Boston Public Schools & municipal buildings will be closed Tuesday. Residents can begin parking at discounted garages at 8 p.m. Late forecasts have moved the snow accumulations to the south with more in the RI and Cape areas and 2-5″ now expected in the Boston area.

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Miscellaneous

RI Credit Unions closed Tuesday

Washington Trust closed Tuesday