Rhode Island’s storm preparedness as first significant snow in two years coming our way – (ongoing updates)

Updates in red

Sunday morning: Early a.m., light snow accumulations but could amount to 4-6 as the day – and the snow – goes by. Southern areas such as Newport, Narragansett, should be all rain. Afternoon should see snow intensity 2-5 inches on top of what is already here.

Once the snow clears, we are heading into significant rain – and with rain comes flooding.

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Rhode Island says it is “fully prepared to respond to the first significant winter storm of the season that is expected to impact the state this weekend”, per Governor Dan McKee in a statement detailing preparedness efforts: 

A winter storm watch is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Sunday night. The latest models predict that light snow will begin between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Saturday with the heaviest snow period occurring between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday. We are expecting snowfall totals to range from 1 to 10 inches across various sections of Rhode Island.

1. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will have crews report for duty three to four hours ahead of the expected storm start time to pre-treat roads. RIDOT has more than 425 plows available for the storm, an increase in resources from previous winter seasons. RIDOT is fully stocked with 65,000 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. 
2. 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 65 external line crewson top of their 50 internal line crews to support swift power restoration efforts. RIE is also bringing in 60 forestry management teams to help with downed trees and other vegetation. RIE will open its storm room on Saturday and will be using Bally’s in Lincoln as a staging site as Northern Rhode Island is expected to receive the most significant snowfall. 
3. The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) is in communication with municipal leaders and 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 weekend. RIEMA’s list of local warming centers can be found here: riema.ri.gov/planning-mitigation/resources-businesses/warming-centers.

The Department of Housing announced locations of emergency pop-up shelters that will be open to Rhode Islanders in need. These are in addition to the state’s existing shelter network. Locations include:

• 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: CCA, 66 Social St, Woonsocket, RI 02895 

Overflow: Vida Church 120 Prospect St, Woonsocket, RI 02895 

• Rhode Island State Police is fully staffed and troopers are standing by to assist motorists and provide assistance on roads and wherever elsewhere they are needed. 

Tips for safe driving this weekend: 

• Make sure car brakes, tires and batteries are in good condition. 
• Avoid unnecessary travel during storms, especially when snowfall is the heaviest. 
• Remove all snow from your car before driving. 
• Plan additional time for travel.
• Reduce speed – most of the crashes and disabled vehicles we see during winter storms involve motorists driving too fast for the conditions.
• Provide plenty of stopping distance in front of you.
• Avoid distractions – put the cell phone away.
• Don’t crowd the plow or pass plow trucks, plow drivers have limited visibility and maneuverability.
• Take note that parking bans may be in effect.

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Providence

Providence announced it has no plans for any parking bans. Parking is allowed overnight by permit holders.

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Johnston

PARKING BAN: Town-wide parking ban beginning 6:00 p.m. Saturday until 6:00 a.m. Monday morning. This parking ban will ensure that all plows can get through the roads safely and efficiently.

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Pawtucket

Parking Ban in place 8pm Saturday – see below for public parking areas

Warming Centers:

Due to the impending storm this weekend, the City of Pawtucket would like to remind residents of the available warming centers throughout the community.  The following local buildings will be open to the public during the times listed below: 

• Open Doors Shelter
  • 1139 Main Street
  • 24 hours a day
• Pawtucket Police Department Headquarters Lobby
  • 121 Roosevelt Avenue
  • 24 Hours a day
• Pawtucket Public Library
  • 13 Summer Street
  • Mon – Thu: 9 AM – 8:45 PM
  • Fri – Sat: 9 AM – 4:45 PM
  • First Sunday of every month: 12 PM – 3:45 PM
• Leon Mathieu Senior Center
  • 420 Main Street
  • Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 4 PM 

Other Storm-Related Information:

Seniors with heat-related concerns may also contact the staff at the Leon Mathieu Senior Center at 401-728-7582. The Youth to Senior Snow Shoveling Program is at capacity. 

Pawtucket Parking:

With the incoming winter months, the City of Pawtucket has provided rules for a snow ban parking advisory that will take effect in the event of a snowstorm, including a list of public parking locations where residents may leave their vehicles while on-street parking bans remain in effect.

“It is important for residents to be aware of potential parking bans, but also to provide options for alternative parking locations for us to clear the roads after a storm” said Mayor Donald Grebien. “This process needs to be a partnership. The faster we can get cars off the street, the more efficient our plows can be. We thank you for your cooperation.”

The city will typically declare a winter storm emergency if there is a forecast of two or more inches of snow. Once a winter storm emergency has been declared, an on-street parking ban will be put into effect on all city streets. All vehicles must be moved off the street at that time.

The parking ban will be posted on local radio and television broadcasts and on the city website. Residents can also sign up for call, email, and text alerts through the City’s CodeRed system.

During snow parking bans, parking will be available throughout the city in the following lots:

WEST SIDE PARKING AREAS:

Morley Field off Moshassuck Street

Veterans Park Ball Field off Smithfield Avenue

Nathanael Greene School, 285 Smithfield Ave.

Baldwin School, 50 Whitman St. ***Temporarily Unavailable***

Slater/Cunningham School, 281 Mineral Spring Ave.

St. Anthony’s Church, 32 Lawn Ave.

Marrin & Pine Street lot

George & Grace Street lot

Varieur School, 486 Pleasant St.

Max Read Field off Pleasant Street

Humes & Broad Street lot

City Hall off Roosevelt Avenue

Third level only of Parking Garage, Park Place

EAST SIDE PARKING AREAS:

Broadway and Exchange Street lot

Agnes Little School (back) Ashburn Street lot

Winters School, 481 Broadway

Curvin McCabe School, 466 Cottage St.

Curtis School, 582 Benefit St.

Daggett Ave Thomlinson Field lot

Potter-Burns School, 973 Newport Ave.

Whittier & Newport Avenue lot

Littlefield Street and Armistice Boulevard lot

Fallon School, 62 Lincoln Ave.

Newport Avenue lot beside the fire station

Slater Park ball field parking lots

A number-coded map showing all alternate off-street parking locations in the city is available here:

All vehicle owners are required by city ordinance to move their vehicles out of the designated municipal parking areas within two (2) hours of a parking ban being lifted or face towing and storage charges and a fine of $100.

NOTE: The city says they will be responsible for plowing the lots, but individuals are responsible for shoveling their cars out within 2 hours of the lifting of the parking ban.

According to city ordinance, the owner, occupant or other responsible person shall have snow and ice removed from a sidewalk intended for pedestrians no later than the first 12 hours of daylight after the end of a snowstorm. Violations are subject to fines beginning at $25 for a first offense.

For additional questions or concerns, please contact the Department of Public Works at 401-728-0500 ext. 233.

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Warwick

A parking ban in Warwick will begin at noon today, Saturday, and be in effect through 9AM Monday. All of the Warwick Public School Activities for Sunday have been canceled.

In the case of emergencies please call the Warwick Police at 468-4200.

A parking ban that will begin at noon Saturday and be in effect through 9AM Monday.

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West Warwick

City estimates 26 people live in tents outdoors – some have begun coming in to the pop up shelter where there are cots, food, and behavioral health workers. First time city has done a program like this.

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Central Falls

 A citywide parking ban begins on Saturday, January 6 at 3:00pm until further notice. Broad Street and Dexter Street are exempt until 2:00am on Sunday, January 7.

Warming Center is open Saturday, January 6 at 8:00pm until further notice. The Warming Center is at Forand Manor at 30 Washington Street.

Youth snow shoveling volunteers will be out after the storm supporting seniors. Please check in on your neighbors and seniors you may know to be sure our community is safe and supported.

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Coventry

Parking ban due to the forecasted storm. Please remove all vehicles (and basketball hoops) from the roadways so DPW and RIDOT can clean up during and after the storm. Parking ban 1/6 at 6pm to 1/8 at 6pm

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Cranston

A parking ban will be in effect from 8 pm Saturday, Jan. 6, until further notice.

– Please shovel the sidewalks in front of your residence or business for neighbors, and students who may return to school Monday morning.

– If you have a fire hydrant nearby, please assist the fire department by clearing out at least 3-feet of space in the snow around it.

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East Providence

East Providence announced it will try new chemicals to pretreat their roads – the product is more expensive, but better to help in snow removal.