Operation Winter Weather Warning: The Blizzard of ’26. Getting Through the Week.

UPDATE: 2/25:

Weather: Light snow, 1-3″ this morning, changing to rain, then temps rise. May have more light snow on Thursday and Friday – then temps will get into the 40s. However! More snow predicted next week as early as Monday.

Death: Student at Salve Regina died in his car while charging his phone because the tailpipe was packed with snow.

Garbage: Most cities have curtailed any garbage pick up for the week.

Schools: Most schools remain closed

Snow removal: Many side streets in communities throughout the state have had only a narrow path or no path at all done at this time. The RI National Guard is now helping – and crews from Vermont and Connecticut are on the way. NOTE: Several communities are banding together to use snowblowers on their streets and helping to get people out.

Roads: Main highways looking good – side streets usually badly in need of plowing – be patient, be cautious. Snow is now solidifying into blocks of ice, nearly immovable.

Black Ice: Once areas have been shoveled, there is black ice at the bottom of it all – be very careful in walking, even just around your property

Totals:  Fall River got over 41″ of snow. Rhode Island clocks in at about 37.9, bringing the Blizzard of ’26 to greater totals than the Blizzard of ’78.

Power Outages: RI Energy has totals this morning of just over 1,000 out in RI – down from a high of nearly 44,000, leaving some without heat or ability to get out of their homes to go to warming centers.

Parking Bans: While State of Emergency has been lifted for the state, local communities like Providence and Cranston still have parking bans in place so snow clean-up can be done

From the RI State Fire Marshal:

More safety information can be found online here or by calling your local fire department.

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The Blizzard of ’26 beat the Blizzard of ’78. The record of 28.6 inches was broken early in the day – and airport totals reached an amazing 37.9 inches. A new generation to say – “remember that storm” – and to think it could never get bigger than that.

As we wake on Tuesday, much will look the same as when we went to bed. There is still a state of emergency for the entire state and a statewide travel ban.

Plows have started to make their way – state roads first, highways – then city/town roads.

Homes have been plowed in. Residential snow removal has not been able to move, except for the individual property residents and they are waking to feet of snow in front of their driveway – and no place left to throw the snow – often way over their shoulder level.

Schools, courts, most businesses closed.

TODAY will be clean-up day as light snow and rain and snow and rain are headed our way – culminating in a 40s weekend, and massive melting.

Over night, outages have decreased from approximately 43,000 to 23,000 – and major progress will be made today.

Emergency warming centers are open, but due to the condition of the roads and travel bans, people will have to call 9-1-1 to get to them.

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When power is out and temperatures plunge, the goal is simple: stay warm, stay calm, stay connected.

Fear and isolation can be as dangerous as the cold — especially for young children, older adults, and anyone living alone. Staying calm, creating connection, and focusing on simple steps can make a huge difference.

Here’s a practical, cold-weather survival checklist:

Keep Body Heat In (Most Important)

• Dress in layers: thermal base layer → sweater → coat → hat & gloves.
• Cover your head & feet — heat loss is greatest there.
• Wear wool or synthetic fabrics, not cotton (cotton traps moisture).
• Sleep in a hat and socks if needed.
• Wear shoes inside — floors pull heat from your body

Create a Warm “Micro-Zoneâ€

• Choose one small room to gather in.
• Close doors and hang blankets over doorways.
• Cover windows with blankets, towels, or cardboard.
• Use sleeping bags, comforters, or layered blankets.
• Build a blanket fort over beds or couches to trap warmth.
• Even body heat alone can raise a small insulated space several degrees.
• Stuff towels under doors.
• Close off unused rooms.
• Close blinds and curtains at night.
• Open curtains during daylight for solar warmth.
• Eat high-calorie foods (nuts, peanut butter, protein bars).
• Drink warm fluids if possible.
• Avoid alcohol (lowers core body temperature).
• Move periodically to maintain circulation

Protect Pipes from Freezing

• Open cabinet doors under sinks.
• Let faucets drip slowly.

Prevent Hypothermia

Watch for:

• uncontrollable shivering
• confusion or slurred speech
• extreme fatigue
• numbness

If symptoms appear, seek warmth immediately and medical help if possible by calling 9-1-1

Go to a warming center, shelter, or hotel if:

• indoor temps drop below 50°F
• elderly, infants, or medical needs are present
• you cannot stay dry and warm

If you go into your car for warmth:

• keep exhaust pipe clear of snow
• run engine outside only
• ventilate slightly
• stay for as short a time as possible to warm up, charge your phones

Bonus Tips Many People Forget

Wear shoes inside — floors pull heat from your body

Move periodically to maintain circulation

Use candles only for light and never unattended

Stay safe — this kind of cold can become dangerous quickly.

Helping Young Children Feel Safe & Warm

Children take emotional cues from adults. If you stay calm, they are more likely to stay calm.

What to say

• “We’re camping inside today.â€
• “We’re staying cozy together.â€
• “We have a plan and we’re safe.â€

Keep them warm

• Dress in layers, including hats and socks.
• Use sleep sacks, footed pajamas, or layers under blankets – even light snowsuits insidel
• Keep them close — shared body heat helps.

Create comfort

• Build a blanket fort.
• Read stories with a flashlight.
• Sing songs or play quiet games.
• Keep favorite stuffed animals nearby.
• Babies can drink bottles at room temp – while not ideal, it will work if you cannot warm up water.

Watch for cold stress

• cold hands/feet
• shivering
• unusual quietness or sleepiness

Infants lose heat quickly — keep them close and check frequently.

Protecting Older Adults

Older adults are at greater risk of hypothermia because circulation and temperature regulation are reduced.

Key precautions

• Keep indoor temperature as warm as possible.
• Dress in layers even indoors.
• Wear hats and warm socks.
• Use blankets while sitting.
• Avoid sitting still for long periods — gentle movement helps circulation.

Medical considerations

• Some medications increase cold sensitivity.
• Conditions like heart disease or diabetes increase risk.
• Watch for confusion, unusual sleepiness, or slurred speech.

If caring for an older adult

• Check skin temperature (cold torso is a warning sign).
• Ensure hydration and warm drinks.
• Keep a phone nearby for emergencies.

Supporting Those Living Alone & Feeling Panicked

Power outages can trigger anxiety and fear — especially at night and in extreme cold.

Inability to open doors or get outside and walk – plows not coming – shovelers absent – all this can lead to panic.

First: slow the panic response

Try this simple grounding technique:

• Inhale slowly for 4 seconds
• Hold for 4 seconds
• Exhale slowly for 6 seconds
• Repeat several times.

Remind yourself

• Power outages are temporary – you have taken steps to stay warm.
• You WILL get shoveled out, as soon as its safe to do so – stay in touch with those plowing and shoveling for you
• Help is available if needed.

Reduce fear & isolation

• Call or text a friend or neighbor every few hours.
• Keep lights or a flashlight nearby to reduce darkness anxiety.
• Stay in one safe, warm space.
• Listen to a battery radio or calming audio.

Build Connection — Even From a Distance

If you have neighbors, family, or readers in your community:

Check on someone elderly or alone

Offer a phone check-in every few hours

Share supplies if safe to do so

Knock on a neighbor’s door if you’re concerned

Sometimes knowing someone cares lowers panic immediately.

You are not alone. Stay layered, stay calm, and stay connected. Warmth comes from preparation — and from people who care.

This is a developing, updated article