Drifting snow, freezing temps carry storm warning into Friday

THE NATIONAL WEATHER Service and local agencies are urging Rhode Islanders to stay off the roads and take precautions against frostbite and hypothermia Friday morning, as wind chills push temperatures well below zero in some regions. / BLOOMBERG FILE PHOTO/SCOTT EISEN
THE NATIONAL WEATHER Service and local agencies are urging Rhode Islanders to stay off the roads and take precautions against frostbite and hypothermia Friday morning, as wind chills push temperatures well below zero in some regions. / BLOOMBERG FILE PHOTO/SCOTT EISEN

(Updated, 1:12 p.m.)

PROVIDENCE – As Rhode Islanders woke Friday morning to the aftermath of Winter Storm Hercules, local officials urged continued caution due to dangerous road conditions and freezing temperatures, with parking bans in effect across the state.

The National Weather Service advised that the heavy snowfall will taper off Friday morning, but bitterly cold weather will continue through Friday and into Saturday morning, with wind chills well below zero in some regions.

Blowing and drifting snow may cause reduced visibility into the afternoon, and travel is highly discouraged, the National Weather Service said.

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All Rhode Island public schools have canceled Friday classes, and city-wide parking bans have been issued in Barrington, Bristol, Burrillville, Coventry, Cranston, Cumberland, East Providence, East Greenwich, Jamestown, Johnston, Lincoln, Newport, North Providence, Pawtucket, Portsmouth, South Kingstown, Scituate, Warwick, West Warwick, Westerly and Woonsocket.

The parking ban that was in effect for Providence ended at 12 p.m. Friday.

For a complete and updated listing of all parking bans in effect, as well as local cancellations and delays, visit the Rhode Island Broadcasters Association closings site at www.ribroadcasters.com.

The R.I. Emergency Management Agency issued a statement early Friday morning warning Rhode Islanders to take precautions to avoid frostbite and hypothermia during extreme cold conditions. Colder than normal temperatures are predicted for Rhode Island for the next 24 to 36 hours.

“Symptoms of frostbite can include loss of feeling and loss of color and usually happens on the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes,” RIEMA said. “Symptoms of hypothermia in adults can include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, drowsiness or slurred speech. In infants, symptoms of hypothermia can include bright red, cold skin and low energy.”

To avoid frostbite and hypothermia, RIEMA recommended dressing warmly and in layers for even short trips outside; setting indoor temperatures according to activity level and health, especially for older individuals; and removing damp or wet clothing.

Warming centers offering shelter from freezing temperatures have opened across Rhode Island, including in East Greenwich, Hopkinton, Newport, Pawtucket and South Kingstown. For a complete listing of all open warming centers, visit www.riema.ri.gov.

Continued snowfall Friday morning has disrupted local public transportation, as well. As of 8:30 a.m. on Friday, RIPTA had detoured 16 bus routes until further notice. For an updated listing of all RIPTA detours, visit www.ripta.com.

Several flights into and out of T.F. Green Airport have been delayed or canceled as a result of Winter Storm Hercules. The R.I. Airport Corporation advised travelers to check with their airlines for the most up-to-date flight information.

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